Burnett, Neil

Aberdare boy Neil Burnett graduated through the Celtic Warriors Academy, making a name for himself as a creative operator in midfield. Invited to tour with the Young Warriors to South Africa during the summer of 2004, Neil then turned up as a trialist with Pontypridd for the following season.

Just failing to make the cut for the senior squad, with his form affected by injury, Neil joined up with Merthyr RFC in division one of the Welsh leagues, and continued to impress as an inside centre. Moving across to take up the pivotal outside half role for the Ironmen, Neil showed great versatility in stringing together a run of fine performances in his new position.

During the summer of 2006, Neil once more showed up at Sardis Road as a trialist, this time rewarded with a place in the senior Pontypridd squad for the ensuing season. Establishing himself as a regular in the Ponty line up, laying claim to the outside half berth, Neil gained a well earned reputation for his siege gun kicking at goal and for field position, and his creative attacking play.

Finding his opportunities limited in 2008, Neil accepted an offer from hometown club, Merthyr RFC and rejoined their ranks.