Quinnell makes Cardiff return

Craig Quinnell will line up alongside Ben Evans in Cardiff's pack

Wales lock Craig Quinnell is set to return to Cardiff in a big-money deal a year after quitting the Arms Park.

The 27-year-old is believed to have accepted a three-year contract worth just under £100,000 a season.

Quinnell signed for Zurich Premiership side Saracens in April 2002 after failing to agree a new contract with Cardiff.

Yet just four months into his four-year deal worth £560,000, Quinnell was paid off by the Londoners and left Vicarage Road.

He then joined English League One side Worcester on a short-term deal, which finishes at the end of April, but spent most of his time on the substitutes' bench.

Worcester's realistic promotion hopes were ended by rivals Rotherham last week, but it is unlikely that Quinnell would have been offered an extended deal even if Worcester were promoted.

Rotherham close on promotion

Quinnell's international fortunes have dipped as well, with Wales coach Steve Hansen ignoring him. The last of Quinnell's 32 caps was won in February 2002 against France.

Nevertheless, Cardiff believe that Quinnell's worth to the new regional side at the Arms Park will be worth every penny, as coach Dai Young strengthens his front five.

In the process the Blue and Blacks have chosen to ignore the Welsh Rugby Union's proposed salary cap of £80,000 for top players at the five new regional teams.

Cardiff have already signed Wales prop Ben Evans, a free agent after being released by cash-strapped Swansea.

Quinnell started his career with Llanelli, alongside brother Scott, before joining Richmond, then returning to Wales with Cardiff when the English club went bust.

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