The Scarlets had been favourites to bring the Richmond forward home but the deal could be in doubt after the London club admitted they would not stop rival English clubs from trying to buy him.

Richmond chief executive Tony Hallett has insisted he will listen to offers from English clubs as well as Welsh for the transfer-listed star.

Hallett's remarks will alert European Cup champions Bath and rivals Gloucester.

Quinnell's wife, Nicola, who is pregnant with the couple's third child, is homesick and a move to Bath and Gloucester would mean the family could still move back to Wales.

Hallett said: "Scott is an asset to the commercial side of the business and we are obliged to our shareholders to listen to all offers.