07/08/2008 - 'Derek will be a great ambassador for Llanelli'
The presidency of Llanelli RFC Association has been taken up by another Scarlets legend, following the death of Ray Gravell last year.
The role, which encompasses Llanelli Rugby Football Club and the Scarlets, has been placed in the hands of Derek Quinnell, a great friend of Ray's and a former Llanelli, Wales and Lions team-mate of the popular centre- turned-broadcaster.
Quinnell's nomination was agreed last week by members of the association at its annual meeting.
Stuart Gallacher, chief executive of Llanelli Scarlets said: "I can't think of a better person to take up the reins from Ray Gravell, who was such a dedicated and enthusiastic president.
"Derek is a hugely respected figure in the game of rugby, not only in Wales but worldwide, and I know he will be a great support to the Scarlets at a crucial time in our history.
"To follow in the footsteps of someone like Ray Gravell is not easy, it will take a certain gravitas and Derek is in all senses a true rugby statesman.
"The president of Llanelli RFC is an important link between our tradition and our future as a rugby region and equally between our supporters and our rugby business.
"I know he will be a great ambassador for us on the local, national and international stage with his long- established connections with the Lions and the Barbarians."
Derek Quinnell said: "Grav was a natural president and these are big shoes to step into, but I am really looking forward to it. I am very keen to make a contribution to the future of rugby in the region and I will help in any way I can.
"These are certainly exciting times; we have a magnificent new stadium and a new-look coaching team, so we have plenty to look forward to. There is a great deal of anticipation among our supporters as we move into this new era.
"Leaving Stradey Park will be a wrench, but it is an exciting one. We will all celebrate the long history of the club as Stradey Park closes, but the road now leads to Parc y Scarlets. The key will be producing results on the field at Parc y Scarlets to encourage even more people through the gates."
Factfile
Derek was born in Llanelli in 1949. He won 23 rugby union caps for Wales as lock-forward and No 8.
He first played for Llanelli RFC in 1967 and made his international debut for Wales against France in 1972. He captained Llanelli in the 1979/80 season and went on three Lions tours. His first Lions tour was in 1971 against New Zealand when he was the only player in the squad not to have been capped by his country.
All three of his sons, Scott, Craig and Gavin, have played top-flight professional rugby.