Justin Burnell – Director of Rugby
Justin Burnell will take on a new title with extended responsibilities this coming season – that of Director of Rugby with Pontypridd RFC.
In addition to heading up a coaching team that will lead the club into a new Premiership campaign, Burnell (pictured) 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.
Describing his new role, Burnell said: “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. 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 is conscious of the great expectations that supporters and backers of the club have, but insists that everyone must be realistic and appreciate that sustainability is key.
“We are focused on success and will be going all out to win the league and cup” said Burnell “but will do so 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.”
Heading up a coaching team that includes Lee Davies (forwards), Paul Matthews (backs),Nathan Evans (conditioning) and Dan Godfrey (team manager), Justin Burnell will still have a hands-on role with the Pontypridd senior squad, in addition to his numerous other responsibilities as Director of Rugby.
