- Date of Birth22 / 05 / 1949
- Lions Tours1971, 1977, 1980
- International CapsWales / Lions
- Lions Origin ClubsBarbarians, Llanelli
As the only uncapped member of the 1971 Tour of New Zealand, Derek Quinnell’s first international appearance was to be a rare phenomenon – debuting in a Lions Test.
The lock was still 21 when he got the nod before even playing for his native Wales, playing in eight Tour games before getting the nod for the third Test against the All Blacks.
Playing for Llanelli, Quinnell – whose three sons all played professionally – went on to earn 23 Wales caps, while two more Lions Tours were to follow.
Also capable of playing No.8, the Welshman returned six years later to face New Zealand in two Tests as well as 12 other Tour matches, while also getting a taste of the famous jersey in South Africa in 1980.