London Welsh have appointed Justin Burnell as head coach following the departure of Lyn Jones.

The former joint head coach and forwards coach of Cardiff Blues has success behind him as he guided the Blues to a Heineken Cup quarter-final appearance in 2012.

He also helped Dai Young take the club to the Heineken Cup semi-finals and to Amlin Challenge Cup success.

Burnell has also enjoyed international coaching success, during his three years as head coach of the Wales U19s [2005-07] he guided them to a Grand Slam in 2006, and led them in two World Cup campaigns, finishing sixth in Dubai and fourth in Belfast.

As a player, the former back row forward can list Pontypridd, Treorchy, Bridgend and Neath among his former clubs. He also gained representative honours with Wales A.

Burnell will join the club’s coaching team almost immediately and he will be in the position fully when when pre-season training commences on June 17.

He said: "Following eight years of elite player development and coaching with the WRU and Cardiff Blues, I am proud and absolutely thrilled to be moving onto the next chapter and to be joining London Welsh.

“This represents a huge and exciting opportunity for me to be part of an ambitious club and one that is steeped in so much history. I have been extremely impressed with the Board’s ambitions.

“With the help of the players, staff, board and loyal supporters, I aim to move the club forward and look to build upon the foundations laid over the last couple of seasons, with the aim of regaining Premiership status.”