London Welsh have appointed former Pontypridd back row forward Justin Burnell as their new head coach.

The 45-year-old takes over from Lyn Jones, who left the club due to family reasons and is expected to join Newport Gwent Dragons.

After being appointed forwards coach at Cardiff Blues in 2008, Burnell helped them to the Heineken Cup semi-finals and to Amlin Challenge Cup success.

He was then named joint head coach in 2011 and guided the Blues to a Heineken Cup quarter-final appearance last year.

Burnell will be at the helm when Welsh return for pre-season training on June 17 and is excited about the challenge.

He said: “This represents a huge and exciting opportunity for me.

“I have been extremely impressed with the Board’s ambitions.”