Nigel Walker steps down from WRU role with immediate effect

Ex-Wales international Nigel Walker has resigned from his position at the Welsh Rugby Union.

Walker, 61, left his position as executive director of rugby with immediate effect on Friday December 20.

Huw Bevan, who is currently interim performance director, and community director Geraint John, will assume Walker’s executive duties in the short term, with a new director of rugby to be appointed in the New Year.

Walker joined the WRU in 2021 as performance director, and introduced the first professional contracts for Wales Women later that year.

He went on to assume the chief executive role on an interim basis in January 2023, before assuming the executive director of rugby job in January 2024, following the arrival of Abi Tierney as CEO.

‘Welsh rugby will prosper again’

Walker said his decision to step away has “not been made lightly”, but declared it was “time for a new leader for the performance department”.

He explained: “My tenure has not been without its challenges and we have achieved a great amount but, ultimately, it is right that I am judged on performances on the pitch .

“Both of our senior teams have found the last 12 months extremely difficult and therefore I believe now is the right time for me to step down.”

Wales’ senior side lost every single match it played in 2024, with a wooden spoon performance at the Six Nations forming part of what is now a 12-game losing streak.

However, Walker said work behind the scenes, once completed, will “help enable success for Welsh rugby”.

He added: “Welsh rugby will prosper again. It will do so because of the strength, passion and good nature of the people who work at the WRU and the nation which supports our national game, but I am pleased to have had an opportunity to contribute.”

‘Dignity and grace’

CEO Ms Tierney thanked Walker for his contributions and said: “Nigel leaves Welsh rugby with a wide range of significant achievements both in the Wales Women’s senior game and also throughout the performance department, where he has made advancements which will pay dividends long into the future.

“We are grateful for his contribution to our game but we respect his decision to move on and hand over the reins to a new leader.”

She said Walker will “always be remembered as the interim CEO who led Welsh rugby with dignity and grace through one of its most difficult periods”, pointing to the WRU Independent Review which highlighted a “toxic” culture of bullying and misogyny within the organisation.

Ms Tierney also praised Walker’s role in developing the game in Wales, highlighting his role in professionalising the women’s game.