JUSTIN Burnell says London Welsh may have to bring in some new players to cope with their mounting injury problems.

The Exiles still hope to extend a loan deal for No 8 Chris Hala’ufia, from Llanelli Scarlets, but head coach Burnell says others may follow.

“We have got no choice at the moment,” he said.

“With the amount of injuries we have got, the only solution is hopefully bringing in players in a like-for-like scenario.”

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Regarding Hala’ufia, Burnell added: “That’s in the pipeline, that’s something we are still trying to work on.”

One of the reasons that injuries affect Welsh so much is that they don’t have an academy, from which to promote young players.

Burnell believes that must be the way forward for the Exiles, with Oxfordshire their prime recruiting-ground.

“Yeah, of course,” he said. “From a structural perspective, an academy is a major part of professional sport.

“Hopefully, that will be next on the agenda for us.

“I believe discussions are taking place. I am not part of that, but I know that they are hoping.

“We are very fortunate with (vice chairman) Kelvin (Bryon). He is just tireless.

“He is just looking to do absolutely everything in the best interests of London Welsh.”

Burnell added: “We have got to get in there and show to these young aspiring rugby players in Oxford that you can still have Premiership rugby with London Welsh.

“That’s the biggest message for us.”

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