Ben Burnell: Playing, Learning, and Loving the Game

Image credit: Leighton Davies

“Rugby means a lot to me. I think I’d be pretty bored if I didn’t play or coach rugby at the moment! I’ve played it and been involved in it for as long as I can remember, so it would be pretty weird if I were to stop playing! Dad would take me to all his games when I was younger, so I didn’t have a choice, really!”

This is Ben Burnell on what rugby means to him. In a short time, the fly-half has built a wealth of experience. Burnell has a fitting story; let’s explore.

Llantwit Fardre

A rugby player’s journey doesn’t begin in grand stadiums, but on cold Sunday mornings at local rugby clubs around the nation. Growing up around Pontypridd and Llantwit Fardre, rugby was never far away. Introduced to the game through his father, Justin, a respected figure in Welsh rugby circles, the foundations were laid early. It’s at establishments like Llantwit Fardre where a young player learns the game and forges relationships that will last a lifetime. Burnell elaborates on his first club.

“Llantwit Fardre is a great club. I started playing there when I was around six years old, I think, all the way up to youth rugby, and I got my mini & juniors cap at 16 for playing in every age group. I remember not wanting to play tag rugby because all I wanted to do was tackle, which is quite ironic because I’m the complete opposite now! But no, I’ve made some of my best friends through the club, and it was where I was first introduced to rugby.”

Burnell’s talent was evident from a young age, leading him to run out for some iconic clubs.

Cardiff

Burnell joined the Cardiff Rugby Academy, training in a professional environment. He would only run out for the region in a pre-season match-up against Bristol. The fly-half’s potential was clear to see. His talent was rewarded with call-ups for Wales U18s and U20s. Being in that set-up was bound to help Burnell’s development. He credits his time in the Welsh capital with improving his game at a young age.

“Cardiff Rugby played a huge part in my development. I was signed straight after U16s, so to be in a full-time environment from the age of 16 was massively beneficial to me. I was lucky enough to earn my Wales U18s & U20s caps with the region, and I don’t think that would’ve happened if I hadn’t been in that full-time programme. I always wanted to play for Cardiff when I was growing up and was fortunate to play one game for the first team against Bristol, so I’m happy I managed to get that. Unfortunately, I was injured a fair bit over my four years there and probably didn’t kick on as much as I would’ve liked, but I still managed to learn and develop a lot as a player during my time there.”

Earlier on in his rugby journey, another famous club was vital in his development.

Pontypridd

Throughout his time at the academy, he got his first taste of regular senior rugby at Sardis Road. At 18, Burnell made his Pontypridd debut. Coached by his father, he made quite an impression at the iconic club. Burnell’s time in a Pontypridd jersey was defined by big moments. From a famous comeback against Merthyr to delivering 14 points in a tense quarter-final clash with Aberavon, he repeatedly rose to the occasion. It must be special to run out for the club, but it meant so much to Burnell.

“Whilst attached to the academy, all my rugby came from playing for Pontypridd in the Premiership, which was again massive for my development. I made my debut when I was 18 in the season straight after COVID, and I loved every minute there! My dad has been coaching Pontypridd since I was 14, so I’d grown up watching and training with players, and then to pull on the same jersey as the same boys whom I’d been training with since I was young was pretty cool!”

After time in Cardiff and Pontypridd, it was time for a fresh chapter, which led to a move to Jersey.

Jersey

Heading to the Championship, he was 20 years old and signed with the Jersey Reds, a competition that flies under the radar but is fierce. There was consistent competition for places, which is sure to sharpen one’s game. The Welshman made appearances against Caldy and Richmond and was part of the squad that won the 2022/23 title. That period shaped more than just his rugby. His time in the Championship helped mould him as both a player and a person. He reflects on his time in Jersey.

“Jersey was another great club to play for. I moved there when I was 20, and it was my first time living away from home, so it was a really good life experience and taught me how to cook after almost burning the house down a couple of times. I ended up signing a three-year contract there, but unfortunately, the club went bust in 2023. It was still a great experience and was also awesome to win the championship in my first season there!”

After leaving Jersey, Burnell headed home and eventually found himself at the Brewery Field.

Bridgend Ravens

Once returning from Jersey, Burnell regained match fitness with Pontypridd. In June 2024, he signed for the Bridgend Ravens ahead of the launch of the Super Rugby Cymru league. He quickly became a consistent figure in the team. From setting up a Ryan Wilkins try with a beautiful grubber to playing a role in big play-offs, Burnell has also enjoyed some fruitful moments at the Brewery Field. He talks about joining the club.

“I’m really enjoying my time at Bridgend! I joined last season for the SRC’s first season and came with about six others from Pontypridd, which made things easier. The coaches give us a licence to go out and express ourselves and play expansive rugby, which definitely suits me. We’ve had a bit of a slow start to the season in terms of results, but we’ve been playing some great rugby in patches. We need to stay consistent in games and not switch off at key moments. We’ve got a great playing squad and coaching staff, so I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before results start to come our way.”

Already having some great experiences, including a summer in Australia, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for Burnell.

“I haven’t really got a plan for the future in terms of rugby, just enjoy myself at Bridgend and see what happens. I would definitely consider the opportunity to play professionally again, but I also enjoy the freedom of playing semi-professionally. For example, I had the chance over the summer to play for the Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield in Sydney, which I absolutely loved and would 100% do again. It was an excellent standard of rugby and also a great standard of living, so that was a cool experience. So future ambitions are really to have a good time and see what happens!”

Those words say everything about Burnell’s relationship with the game. Rugby, for him, is about joy, presence, and squeezing every last moment from his time on the pitch.

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