His only international try was against The Ivory Coast in the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
He ran in from 70 yards dummying both wings and full back before crashing in under the posts in the 89-0 win.
His final test match was against New Zealand at Murrayfield on 24 October 1999 in the World Cup knock-out stages having previously announced his intention to retire at the end of the tournament.
Burnell is London Scottish FC's most capped Scotland International player with 52 caps and represented Scotland at the 1991,1995,1999 World Cups while being a member of London Scottish FC.
He is an inductee of the London Scottish Hall of Fame.
Formerly national sales director for waste company Biffa, Burnell joined the Waste Recycling Group (WRG) as Commercial and Industrial Director in September 2011.