THE future of London Welsh head coach Justin Burnell is on the line, according to reports.

Despite leading the Exiles into rugby union’s top division last season, the 47-year-old has seen his side lose all 27 league and cup matches so far this campaign.

They have picked up just one point and lie 24 adrift of nearest rivals Newcastle in the Aviva Premiership with just five matches remaining.

They look certain to be relegated when the action resumes in a fortnight and are set to become the worst-ever top-flight team.

The club would not make any comment when contacted yesterday, but rumours are rife that Burnell is on the brink of being axed.

The former flanker, who represented Wales A, was appointed the club’s head coach in June 2013 and signed a new contract in March last year.

He made some big-name signings last summer in a bid to keep Welsh in the Premiership, bringing in World Cup-winning scrum half Piri Weepu and former England fly half Olly Barkley.

But Weepu has already left the club in a season to forget.