Nigel Walker lands new job in English sport in first role since WRU exit
Nigel Walker lands new job in English sport in first role since WRU exit
The former Welsh rugby powerbroker has landed a top role in England
Former WRU interim CEO Nigel Walker
(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency )
Former Welsh rugby bigwig Nigel Walker has been appointed CEO of Basketball England.
Walker left his role as the Welsh Rugby Union's executive director of rugby last December having formerly been interim CEO before Abi Tierney took the reins in January 2024.
The 62-year-old was a leading figure in Welsh rugby during one of the most turbulent periods in its history.
During Walker's time at the WRU he oversaw the introduction of the first professional contracts for the women's game.
But Walker was heavily criticised for his role in the negotiation of contract negotiations with the senior women's team last year which allegedly included the WRU threatening to pull the team out of last year's WXV2 competition while also issuing a number of ultimatums.
This triggered a review into the WRU's conduct, which concluded while there had been poor behaviour, sexism was not present. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Article continues below
The row came less than a year after a review into the WRU's culture following a BBC Wales investigation found it was sexist, misogynistic, racist and homophobic, which ultimately led to the departure of then CEO Steve Phillips.
Nevertheless Walker is a well-respected figure in Welsh sport having previously been head of sport at BBC Wales and national director at the English Institute of Sport, while he was also a Cardiff Rugby board member.
The former Cardiff wing also won 17 caps for Wales and represented Great Britain at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles in the 110 metres hurdles.
During his time at the WRU Walker helped guide the governing body through the 2023 independent review process.
Alongside former chair Ieuan Evans, he pushed through a modernisation of the WRU's governance with a 97% majority at an extraordinary general meeting in March 2023.
His time in Welsh rugby has now come to an end and Walker will be in charge of Basketball England.
'I am delighted to join Basketball England on an interim basis and to have the opportunity to work with the organisation's excellent staff and our partners," said Walker. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
'Over the next six months I will focus my efforts on ensuring we deliver our strategy with a particular emphasis on growing the membership, improving the service we provide to our existing members and nurturing our most talented players.'
Walker also served on the UK Sport board for four years (2006-2010) and was a member of the Commonwealth Games England board (2015-2022). In addition, he held independent roles with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and was on the Birmingham 2022 operations board.
'It is my great pleasure to welcome Nigel to the organisation as we look forward to a new season," said Basketball England chair Paul Blanchard.
"It is a real coup for the organisation to have him join us on an interim basis. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
'His focus will be on growing our membership base and ensuring that we service our community better as well as improving standards across the game and ensuring our sport continues as the most diverse and inclusive in the UK.
Article continues below
"He is a highly talented and respected figure in sport and I am confident he will serve us and basketball well as we start the search for someone to take on the role for the longer term.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Three reasons why Marcus Rashford's dream move to Nou Camp could be perfect for Barcelona, Man Utd… and Lamine Yamal
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MARCUS RASHFORD'S future at Manchester United looks bleak to say the least. After being exiled by manager Ruben Amorim in December, he has not had a look-in since, which prompted him to secure a loan transfer to Aston Villa. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Marcus Rashford's future lays away from Man Utd Credit: Alamy 10 He has openly spoken about linking up with Barcelona Credit: Getty 10 But how could the potential switch be beneficial to all parties, including Lamine Yamal Credit: Getty Despite scoring four goals and adding six assists under Unai Emery, Amorim is adamant the English winger will not be a part of his plans at Old Trafford and is even willing to leave him behind from the squad's pre-season tour. Man Utd want to sell and have set a price tag of around £40million to suitors, with the likes of Newcastle and Barcelona linked. Rashford, 27, has made no secret of his desire to leave, and last weekend openly spoke about the prospect of playing for Barcelona and alongside wonderkid Lamine Yamal. He discussed a position change to suit the Camp Nou outfit's needs and was full of praise for Yamal, saying: "It's difficult to put into words what he's doing because he's not supposed to be doing it at 16, 17. 'He's playing at the highest level, I don't think we've seen it. To have his mentality is a skill." Below, we look at the tactical details behind the potential transfer of Rashford to Barcelona, and why both clubs and Yamal can all benefit from the deal. Movement One of the most consistent strengths of Rashford's game has been his movement and ability to make decisive runs beyond the last man and to attack the space behind the opposition defensive line. When Rashford first came through at Man Utd under Louis van Gaal he often played as a more dynamic centre-forward option. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford Gradually, however, Rashford moved over to play from the left of the attack and in these areas he became less dangerous when breaking the line through movement. If Rashford were to move to Barcelona and play as the central striker, his movement in tight spaces combined with the way he can explode from a standing start will offer real value for Hansi Flick's side. Marcus Rashford says he wants to play with Lamine Yamal at Barcelona in transfer plea This is especially true with Yamal playing from the right side of the attack. Despite only being 17 years old, there is a very real argument to be made that Yamal is one of, if not the best, player in the world. His vision and ability to find a pass when cutting inside on his left foot would be ideal in releasing Rashford. 10 Here we see how Yamal finds clever angles to release team-mates in dangerous areas While Lewandowski has been one of the top strikers in football across the last decade - and a top physical specimen - he has lost a yard of pace and sharpness, and his ability to make runs and create separation quickly has declined. The quality of his runs and movement is still there, but the athleticism to keep up with his brain has faded. This is where Rashford could make a lot of sense for Barcelona. His explosiveness and ability to make line-breaking runs would enable Yamal to make these passes with confidence. 10 Rashford's movement here gives Amad an option to pass to slip the ball to him before the Englishman goes on to score Rashford can create immediate separation from defenders and take advantage of his passes. His extra athleticism on the last line could be a crucial detail for Barcelona in their bid to retain the LaLiga title and win the Champions League. Meeting crosses Barcelona have a long-standing tradition of being extremely greedy with possession of the ball. Under Flick they play an extremely high defensive line and look to force the opposition into deep defensive blocks. This does, of course, carry some risk in terms of leaving space that can be attacked, but they also dominate the ball in the final third and create opportunities to break into the opposition area. However, this means they have to find ways to break down the opposition. In order to do so, there are points Barca will cross from the wide areas, either through Yamal on the right or through Raphinha on the left. Lewandowski has always been good from these positions thanks to his sharp brain and quick movement, but once again, his declining athleticism has led to issues. 10 Here we see how Yama is able to produce a quality cross which only needs to be met by a willing runner Rashford has long been underrated for his ability in the air and his movement to attack crosses into the area. He reads the flight of the ball well and his jinking movements will often unbalance defenders as he moves one way before cutting and attacking at a different angle. The forward will often make long runs from deeper areas, knowing the angles to attack the space in the opposition penalty area. These runs tend to be at a higher speed and intensity, and as such it can be exceptionally difficult for defences to defend them. 10 Here a deep run from Rashford allows him to burst past defenders before getting the ball in a dangerous area All he needs is quality delivery. There is a real sense that signing a player like Rashford would bring an extra dimension to the attack for Barcelona. Playing back to goal. One thing Rashford had definitely appeared to struggle with in the past was playing with his back to goal when playing centrally. His explosive pace and curving runs are anathema to a target-man style centre-forward who can bring team-mates into play around them. In his younger days this might have been put down to a lack of concentration or composure. But it was interesting to note he Rashford referenced how he now feels more comfortable playing with his back to goal as a central striker. To succeed as the No. 9 at Barcelona, this aspect of his game would need to be top-dollar. 10 Here we see how Barcelona's attack is brought into play by the hold-up of Robert Lewandowski If Rashford is able to allow Barcelona to play quickly forward to a safe platform and then link play with team-mates who will be swarming forwards to support him, he will be integral. At 5ft 11", Rashford certainly has the frame of a forward who can hold off defenders with his back. His combination play and ability to get around his marker through sheer acceleration and strength would make him a real threat if utilised correctly. And the mere threat of this happening will force opposition defenders to think twice about getting too tight when marking him. 10 At Aston Villa Rashford showed glimpses of his central hold up link play, in this example dropping deep before bursting forwards Rashford is no longer a young and raw player. He is an experienced international player who is in his peak years and has the tools to be able to play centrally for a team with the attacking dominance of Barcelona. Conclusion A move abroad feels like the logical next step for Rashford to make, with a change of scenery to a club like Barcelona appearing to make sense. It would be fascinating to see whether his profile and skill set could provide that next level for Barcelona in terms of unlocking the attacking threat of the team. 10 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- South Wales Argus
‘Forgotten' England football manager Don Revie to be honoured in home town
Revie, an England player then a pioneering and title-winning coach with Leeds United, has no memorials in his home town of Middlesbrough, where he grew up two miles away from Clough. While Clough – often dubbed the Greatest Manager England never had – has a statue in the town's Albert Park, a street named after him in Linthorpe and a plaque on his former house, nothing marks out that Revie was a Boro lad. Revie, who managed England from 1974 until he quit for the United Arab Emirates in 1977, does not even have a plaque on his former home in Bell Street, Newport. There is a statue of former Leeds United manager Don Revie outside Elland Road (Nigel French/PA) Middlesbrough and Thornaby East MP Andy McDonald and Fly Me To The Moon football fanzine editor Robert Nichols approached Revie's former school Archibald Primary about changing that. Teaming up with the school, historian Dr Tosh Warwick and local artists, a plan was put forward for a metre-square mosaic at the school which will be visible to passers-by. The Labour MP said: 'Don Revie was a pioneer in football and his achievements were utterly remarkable. 'In a very short space of time he took a second division side in Leeds United to the top of the English game and into Europe. 'But whereas others like Brian Clough and Bill Shankly, who have had similar achievements, are hero figures across the nation, Don Revie is forgotten somewhat outside of Leeds. 'That someone from Middlesbrough's Newport area could rise to be one of only 16 people to ever hold the permanent position of England football manager and the story not be told seemed to us a crying shame. 'He is a fascinating character who has divided opinion but someone who we should perhaps look again at for the town of Middlesbrough and we hope in this piece of art that we do just that and inspire the pupils of Archibald to know that they can achieve anything they want to.' Revie honed his skills, which saw him play up front for Leicester City and England, by kicking a ball against the playground walls at his primary school. Archibald deputy headteacher Steve Cowgill said: 'We are really proud that our school has such a long history and are looking forward to working on this exciting project relating to an ex-pupil who went on to be a significant local and national figure. 'Our aim is that as many pupils and their parents and carers as possible can become involved in creating this lasting recognition to Don Revie.' Revie and Clough, who followed him for just 44 days as Leeds manager, famously clashed in 1974 in a TV interview on the day Clough was sacked, which was later depicted in the film Damned United. Clough had been a fierce critic of Revie, telling players after he took over at Leeds that they should bin their medals as they had not been won fairly. Revie, who died aged 61 in 1989, has a statue outside the Elland Road stadium where his tactical nous, planning skills and loyalty to players is fondly remembered by Leeds fans.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Medieval English town is being turned into ‘landmark destination' with 277 homes, new leisure centre & budget hotel
Council has revealed plans to energise its high street MASTERPLAN Medieval English town is being turned into 'landmark destination' with 277 homes, new leisure centre & budget hotel Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PLANS have been revealed for a multi-million transformation of a medieval English town in Kent. The redevelopment scheme includes the building of 277 new homes, a leisure centre and a budget hotel. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The council's new plan hopes to transform the town for the better Credit: Alamy 5 It hopes to build 277 new homes, a leisure centre and a budget hotel Credit: Alamy 5 There will be a public consultation on the proposal on Monday Credit: Getty The area that can expect to see this swanky new upgrade is a council-owned site in Tonbridge. According to KentLive, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council want to enhance the area, which is east of the town's high street, and have 'much-needed homes' built. The new leisure centre will also replace the pre-existing Angel Centre, and will be built in a new location in Sovereign Way. The council hopes that the leisure centre will become a 'landmark destination.' Funding is also reportedly already being in place. News HOLS CHAOS Brit tourists face holiday chaos with strikes confirmed on hotspot islands Sovereign Way north will also see the building of 122 of the new proposed homes, along with a potential hotel and an NHS healthcare facility. A further 56 homes are to be built at the former Angel Centre, and up to 99 more at Angel West. This information can be found in the council's 69-page masterplan This masterplan reveals hopes to make more of the River Medway, which it acknowledged as a big part of the town's identity. The plan, which has been made available to the public, also details the addition of a linear shaped river park, in a bid to 'transform the south bank into a green corridor for walking, cycling and socialising.' These additions to the medieval town aim 'to invite more people to call Tonbridge home,' 'energise the high street' and 'rediscover the relationship between the town, the river, and its open spaces.' There will be a public consultation on the proposal which will go before the cabinet on Monday, June 30. This is expected to launch from the middle of next month, for six weeks. Our posh village is now ghost town strewn with empty homes KentLive also reported that during the summer, a more detailed programme of works will be created, which will include where the council could bid for funds. The public is also currently being asked what it would want to see at the new leisure centre, as part of a separate consultation. Following public consultation and other work, the masterplan will return to cabinet for adoption in October. Three of the documents for Monday's meeting can not be viewed by the public, with the council stating this is because they are related to the financial or businesses affairs of a person. 5 The new plan is 69 pages in length Credit: Alamy
