Scarlets and Llanelli RFC player, Gavin Quinnell has been forced to end his professional rugby career after the serious eye injury sustained in the game against Cross Keys caused him to lose sight in his left eye.

And the region have spoken out following the decision by a WRU disciplinary panel that there is no case to answer in relation to the citing complaint put forward by Llanelli RFC. The complaint was lodged following the eye injury sustained by Gavin Quinnell during a match between Llanelli RFC v Cross Keys in the Principality Premiership on 2nd October 2010.

A WRU Disciplinary Panel hearing did not uphold the citing and a subsequent appeal last week upheld that no action would be taken in this case following a review of the evidence. The appeal by Llanelli RFC was dismissed by the WRU Appeal Panel on Tuesday 29th March 2011.

The son of ex-Wales and British Lions player Derek Quinnell and brother of ex-internationals Scott and Craig had surgery immediately after the game but doctors were unable to save his eye. He continues to receive medical treatment under a specialist at the Heath Hospital in Cardiff.

Gavin had recently re-signed with the Scarlets, having spent two years at Worcester and two years at Italian Super 10 side Viadana. He was playing for Llanelli in the Welsh Premiership and under contract with the Scarlets rugby region at the time of the incident.

Their statement reads: “We are all astonished and deeply-shocked by the decision that has been reached. Naturally Gavin and his family are devastated by this stark verdict and have requested that they are given some time and space to let a very disappointing outcome sink in.

“The fact is everyone involved in this case is currently so numb, that we are not in a position to make any further comment at all at this stage; neither are we able to consider fully what course of action to take next.

“The family wish to express their thanks again to all those who have shown them great support throughout this very challenging and difficult time.”