The 52-year-old has been head coach of Pontypridd for the past two seasons and will now take on extra responsibilities. In addition to heading up a coaching team that will lead the club into a new Premiership campaign, Burnell will oversee a defined development pathway that can guide young players through to senior level, pulling together the strands of junior, schools, college and youth rugby.
The former Blues and London Welsh coach was already heavily involved with the Valleys’ Rugby Initiative, incorporating Ponty Schools under 15s, Coleg y Cymoedd and USW, with strong links to Pontypridd RFC. He will now also liaise with the Ponty Mini & Juniors and Youth set-ups to ensure a sustainable structure that will hopefully underpin the club’s future success.
“We are working on a ‘one club’ ethos with everyone, from all age grades, identifying with the need to pull together for a common cause,” said Burnell. This will tie in with our work with Ponty schools and the local colleges, also our strong relationship with neighbouring clubs, all channelling young talent towards the Pontypridd senior squad.”
Burnell will be supported by forwards coach Lee Davies, backs coach Paul Matthews, head of strength and conditioning Nathan Evans and team manager Dan Godfrey. “We are focused on success and will be going all out to win the league and cup” said Burnell
“We will attempt to do this by concentrating on nurturing our own talent. There are some good dialogues going on within the club at the moment, led by the executive board, and with other local clubs, all with that aim in mind.
“We need to make Pontypridd RFC a flagship for the surrounding communities, a focal point that they can identify with and share in any future success.”
