Welsh Rugby
Quinnell blinded by horror injury
ESPNscrum Staff
October 7, 2010
Viadana forward Gavin Quinnell, formerly of Worcester Warriors. October 27 2007.
Gavin Quinnell was injured while on duty for Llanelli © Getty Images
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Teams: Scarlets | Wales

Scarlets forward Gavin Quinnell has lost the sight in his left eye after suffering a horrific injury in Llanelli's Principality Premiership defeat to Cross Keys last weekend.

The son of Wales legend Derek and brother of former internationals Scott and Craig, Quinnell underwent surgery at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport before the extent of his injury was confirmed by a team ophthalmic specialists.

Both the Scarlets and Llanelli RFC have confirmed that that they have lodged a formal citing complaint to the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) while Gwent police are investigating an allegation of assault.

"It is with a huge disappointment and regret that today we can confirm that our Scarlets player Gavin Quinnell has received a conclusive report from medics that he has permanently lost his sight in his left eye," read a Scarlets statement. "Gavin underwent eye surgery on Saturday night at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital following an injury he sustained playing for Llanelli RFC on Saturday afternoon.

"The news was confirmed to him yesterday afternoon following a consultation with a team of ophthalmic specialists at the hospital. Naturally, the Quinnell family are all shocked and devastated and have asked to be given time and space to come to terms with the news and allow them to concentrate on giving Gavin their full support and attention."

Quinnell re-joined the Scarlets on a two-year deal in the summer, having spent two years in England with Worcester and two playing in the Italian Super 10 for Viadana.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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