Quinnell to leave Stradey

Scott Quinnell is to step down as coach of Llanelli's Welsh Premiership side at the end of the season. Quinnell, who recently called time on an illustrious playing career, is to start work in his family's Llanelli-based chemical treatment firm as well as pursuing opportunities in the media.

The 32-year-old British Lion has helped transform Llanelli's fortunes this season after the club struggled at the foot of the Premiership table last term.

They are in the final of the Konica Minolta Cup following their defeat of Bridgend last weekend and are fifth in the Premiership table after being second for long periods.

Quinnell's decision will be a surprise to a lot of people who thought he would move on to become a full-time coach in the professional game.

Llanelli have already advertised for a forwards coach with the successful applicant joining up with former Wales centre Neil Boobyer and rugby director Kevin Williams in the club's coaching set-up.

Meanwhile, hooker Craig Hawkins misses tonight's Welsh Premiership clash with Ebbw Vale at Stradey Park (7.30) after needing dental treatment following an incident in Sunday's semi-final.

Television replays showed Hawkins being kicked in the face by Ravens prop Phil Booth. Booth was red carded following the incident, which saw Hawkins stretchered from the field.

''He is okay, but he has needed a bit of dental work on the upper and lower parts of his mouth,'' confirmed team manager Gren Cole.

Llanelli show five changes with Lee Byrne returning at full-back and Justin Hughes coming in for Hawkins.

LLANELLI: L. Byrne; D. Rogers, J. Rimmer, E. Williams, D. Gravell; Ceiron Thomas, L. Davies; D. Maddocks, J. Hughes, K. Jones, C. Rowe, B. Griffiths, T. Bowen, G. Quinnell, M. Evans. Reps: R. Perrott, AN Other, I. Cunningham, Celt Thomas, T. Marks, N. Boobyer, V. Jenkins.

Robert Lloyd

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