The former Llanelli, Scarlets and Wales No. 8, who won 52 caps for his country and toured twice with the Lions, travelled to the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth to uncover more about his grandfather Stan, a Second World War veteran who rarely spoke about his experiences.
Family history revealed
Speaking to presenter Dot Davies, Quinnell explained that his motivation was to understand what life was like for young Welsh soldiers during the war. He was shown a never‑before‑seen video of an 80‑year‑old former Welsh prisoner of war in Germany, which painted a vivid picture of what his grandfather may have endured.
The Library’s family archivist Beryl Evans unveiled the Quinnell family tree, including a 1945 Llanelli Star report on his grandparents’ wedding, which left the former rugby star visibly moved.
Quinnell also discovered the Library’s vast collection on dogs — a subject close to his heart as the owner of four terriers and a Labrador — and was given a private viewing of an unseen portrait of his late uncle, Welsh and Lions fly‑half Barry John.
Dyslexia connection
Quinnell, who has spoken publicly about his dyslexia, admitted that libraries were not familiar territory.
“I don’t read, I’m dyslexic. So why would I go to a library?” he said.
But in the Library’s grand Reading Room he was shown a 1917 book documenting dyslexia for the first time, alongside stories of others who had triumphed against the odds. The experience, he said, changed his perspective:
“I’m coming back with the family.”
Production team reaction
Executive producer Geraint Rhys Lewis of Slam Media described Quinnell as “a wonderfully warm, engaging and inspirational character” who was visibly vulnerable as he crossed the Library’s threshold.
“By the end Scott was a complete Library convert and self‑proclaimed spokesperson, making this episode not only the biggest emotional rollercoaster so far but also the most important and insightful,” he said.
S4C’s Head of Docs and Specialist Factual Llinos Wynne added:
“We’re used to seeing Scott tackling opponents on the rugby pitch, but here he tackles another subject close to his heart as he finds out more about the history of dyslexia.”
Family pride in a different spotlight
(Image: Steele Quinnell)
Away from the rugby field, the Quinnell family name is also making waves in a very different arena. Scott’s son Steele Quinnell, 26, has carved out a career as a drag performer under the stage name Heidi Heights.
A personal trainer by day, Steele transforms into Heidi by night — a 7ft‑tall cabaret and musical theatre performer whose act has quickly become a fixture on the Welsh drag scene. His journey began after playing the role of Lola in a production of Kinky Boots, which led to a string of bookings from pantomime to residencies.
Steele has said his family have been fully supportive of his career choice, with Scott described as “incredibly proud” of his son’s success.
The Quinnell dynasty, long associated with rugby through Scott and his brothers Craig and Gavin, is now also linked to the world of performance and entertainment — showing that the family’s passion for hard work and courage extends well beyond the pitch.
About the series
Cyfrinachau’r Llyfrgell blends storytelling, genealogy and archival discoveries to tell the stories of some of Wales’ best‑known faces through their family history. Previous episodes have featured former First Minister Mark Drakeford and actress Dame Siân Phillips.
The series continues on S4C, Tuesdays at 9pm until October 7, and is also available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer.
