24 Jun BRIDGEND RAVENS SIGN BEN BURNELL

Bridgend Ravens are delighted to announce the signing of outside half Ben Burnell from Pontypridd RFC.

The move is a welcome boost to Bridgend’s backline options, with Ben able to operate at outside half, centre and full back as the club prepares for its first season in the newly formed Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) league.

Despite his tender age, Burnell, 21, has plenty of experience – including stints in professional rugby with Cardiff Rugby and Jersey Reds and joins up with Scott Baldwin’s side ahead of the new campaign.

A product of Llantwit Vardre’s Junior system, he was part of the Cardiff Rugby’s Academy – also picking up international honours at Under 18 and Under 20 level for Wales.

Having had his first taste of senior rugby for Pontypridd, Ben also featured in the Indigo Premiership for Cardiff RFC and his impressive form saw him earn a move to English Championship side Jersey Reds. Following the demise of the channel island side, Ben moved back to Sardis Road for 18 months but now makes the switch to the Ravens.

Head Coach, Scott Baldwin was delighted to add Ben to the squad, saying “We are really excited to bring a player of Ben’s quality to Bridgend Ravens. 

Super Rygbi Cymru is going to be an extremely tough division and to be competitive, we have to build a deep squad with quality in each position. Ben comes to us with some really vital professional rugby experience and we’re looking forward to helping him continue his development and seeing how he goes this season.”

After committing to Bridgend Ravens, Ben said “I’m really pleased to be joining Bridgend next season. It’s a massive club with a lot of history and I’m really excited to see how well we can go!

We’ve got a really exciting squad and coaching staff, so I can’t wait to get started.”