Nick Scott backs Justin Burnell to put London Welsh back on top

Justin Burnell's instant impact as London Welsh rugby director has impressed winger Nick Scott so much that he believes the Exiles can get back into the Premiership at the first attempt.
Scott, who grabbed six tries in 20 Premiership games, did not join the summer exodus from the club, preferring to help Welsh fight their way out of the Championship instead.
A new-look squad has gelled quickly, with last week's 16-16 draw with the Scarlets providing compelling evidence they will be more than a match for Bristol, Leeds, Bedford and the Cornish Pirates.
And Scott has been struck by the way former Cardiff Blues back-row forward and coach Burnell has gone about his business since taking over from Lyn Jones.
“Justin's done very well and what's impressed me is his desire to get London Welsh back into the Premiership,” Scott told The Rugby Paper.
“You can see that every day. He sees this club as a Premiership club and the standards he implements are of that level.
“We're lucky having Justin because you can tell he knows what he's talking about and we're enjoying his philosophy and training.
“He's different to Lyn – you don't get all the random weird stuff – but he knows what he wants and the boys are implementing it.
“The way we played against the Scarlets showed that the boys want to play for him.
“We needed to put in a good performance against a decent side and it demonstrated the standard of our team.
“We've got a great bunch of guys and it bodes well for the season ahead.”
London Welsh's future was thrown into doubt in May when long-time benefactor Kelvin Bryon pulled out.
But Bryon has since done a U-turn, enabling Burnell to put together a squad that Scott believes can win promotion.
“It was all a bit up in the air at the end of last season, but our chairman Bleddyn Phillips was honest with us,” said Scott, 23.
“He said that they didn't have the funding but promised that he'd work hard on it, and since then Kelvin's come back which has been great.
“A lot of boys have moved on but I really wanted to stay because I'm happy here and they're a great bunch of lads to play with.
“Guys like Jon Mills and Neil Briggs are older and had to take their opportunities to move, but I've still got time on my side.
“A few clubs expressed an interest in me at the end of last season but nothing materialised and I'm happy to still be here.
“Last year was a rollercoaster but I loved playing in the Premiership. It was just a shame we went to pot a bit after Christmas.
“Going down last season was horrible, so getting back into the Premiership is a massive driver for us now and we aim to go straight back.”
Bristol and Leeds are favourites for promotion, but Scott warned them: “We know we're in a fight but we're well up for it.
“I expect Bristol, Leeds, Bedford and Pirates to be up there but we've recruited well and the standard of our squad is high.”
NEALE HARVEY