Saracens Top 10 Busts - Craig Quinnell
By The Fezboys
August 1 2012
Fat Quinnell! was the headline on this very site when it was announced the former Cardiff and Richmond man mountain was joining. The first ever tactical substitute for Wales in international rugby was tactically given the heave-ho after less than six months and fewer than 10 games, Leaving us all wondering what the Fat Quinnell his acquisition was all about.
Name: Craig Quinnell
International Caps: 32, Wales
Joined from: Cardiff
Time at Sarries: 2002
Appearances: 6
Points: 5
Famous for: Being the brother, son and nephew of Welsh international rugby players, and a penchant for punching and pies. Not to mention a memorable clenched-fist salute to the Lowe Rous when Cardiff beat Saracens at Vicarage in the Heineken Cup a couple of seasons before joining.
Hype: Just to prove that the now legendary “Something Special” quote was not invented by the arrival of Edward Griffiths, one of his predecessors, the late Peter Deakin, remarked on Quinnell’s arrival “Craig is a talent and a player who plays the hard brand of rugby that we are looking for and we’re delighted that he has signed for Saracens. I’m sure that he will fit in well at the training ground and will add something special to the squad,"
Reality: There were already rumblings from the back end of the World when soon-to-be appointed Sarries coach Buck Shelford was apparently unhappy Quinnell was joining on a 4-year deal reputedly worth £500,000. "No more signings until I arrive!" was his curt comment. Less than half a year on, the player was told he could leave after failing to make any impression other than on the Sarries bank balance.
Most memorable Sarries moment: Probably the shock for all of us on hearing the alleged £500k price tag.
What happened next: There was much relief that a potentially volatile player on an obscene amount of wedge was out the door. When his departure from Saracens was announced, Shelford said a number of clubs were interested and Quinnell wanted to move to one that would enhance his chances of returning to the Wales fold. The destination which would apparently help him fulful this ambition was First Division Worcester. Oh, and he never did play again for Wales. Next!
Alcatrazfez (now Mrs Taff Mk II) & I went on he fish trip organized by Couleur Sports to, I think, Bégles Bordeaux. There were many shortcomings to the trip, not the least that the plane (which also included the squad) was deemed too heavy, on the flight back, so they ditched the in-house meals.
I was not the only passenger casting accusing glances at the only one of our players whose @rse was half hanging in the aisle (he couldn't fit in a window seat!).
[Jonny Marsters sat next to us on the flight out; Very nice man, but will he make this list?]
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:08:06:10:35:31 by TonyTaff.
His second row partner that day would have been even taller and heavier- Richard West was supposedly the heaviest player ever to play for England!
The whole Richmond pack were enormous, I'd be surprised if there have been many heavier!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:08:02:00:42:52 by Delynagh.
That's no way to talk about Wales.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:08:02:08:10:57 by Rupes.
Will Gav be on there? I can think of a few French front-rows who are dead certs.
“I believe it might have been said before, but there is something special happening at Saracens, and I want to be part of it.” - Nils Mordt
Doesn't qualify like the others as he didn't have a load of international caps and was just unlucky to sustain a career-ending injury in his first match.
Who removed my H.R. Giger picture?
Quote:large
I think it's unfair to consider Magellan a "bust."
Doesn't qualify like the others as he didn't have a load of international caps and was just unlucky to sustain a career-ending injury in his first match.
Did that happen at Loftus Rd? I vaguely remember a pain in the knee
It's a long time since Sports network paid anything!
Who removed my H.R. Giger picture?