**Nigel Walker Appointed Interim CEO of Basketball England in First Position Since WRU Departure**
Nigel Walker, the respected sports administrator and former Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) executive, has taken up a new challenge as interim Chief Executive of Basketball England. This appointment marks Walker’s first official role following a high-profile exit from Welsh rugby at the end of 2023.
Walker, aged 62, will be stepping into English basketball’s top administrative post on a temporary basis, as the organisation begins its search for a longer-term appointment. This move comes after Walker’s influential—but sometimes controversial—stint at the WRU, where he served as both executive director of rugby and, for a time, interim CEO. He vacated the Welsh rugby role after Abi Tierney was appointed chief executive in January 2024.
Though perhaps best known in recent years for his contributions—and the turbulence—within Welsh rugby, Walker boasts a diverse sporting pedigree. Prior to his WRU days, he led the sports department at BBC Wales and held the post of national director at the English Institute of Sport. Walker also served on the UK Sport board and contributed to the oversight of major events such as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Walker’s period at the WRU was marked by both progress and challenge. He played a key role in introducing professional contracts for women’s rugby in Wales, a major step for the sport’s development. However, his tenure also drew significant criticism over the management of contract negotiations with the women’s senior team, after allegations arose regarding threats to withdraw the side from the WXV2 competition and reports of ultimatums being issued. These incidents sparked a wider review into the union’s conduct, which determined that while poor behaviour had occurred, there was no evidence of sexism in the particular negotiations.
The controversy came amid a broader climate of scrutiny over the WRU, following a BBC Wales investigation that exposed a culture many found deeply problematic, highlighting issues of sexism, racism, and homophobia. That investigation preceded the resignation of then-CEO Steve Phillips and contributed to calls for reform. Walker, during his own time at the top, was involved in steering the union through a 2023 independent review and helped secure overwhelming support for modernisation efforts at a WRU extraordinary general meeting.
Despite these testing moments, Walker’s career has also been marked by significant achievements, both on and off the pitch. As a player, he earned 17 Welsh caps as a Cardiff winger and represented Great Britain at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games in the 110-metre hurdles. His experience across multiple sports sectors makes him a notable figure in the British sporting landscape.
On his new position, Walker shared his enthusiasm: “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 partners. Over the next six months I will focus my efforts on ensuring we deliver our strategy, with particular emphasis on growing the membership, improving the service for existing members, and nurturing our most talented players.”
Basketball England’s chair, Paul Blanchard, welcomed the appointment: “It is a real coup for the organisation to have Nigel join us on an interim basis. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we work to grow our membership and improve service for our vibrant basketball community. Nigel has a track record of driving inclusivity and high standards—qualities that are vital for the next chapter of our sport.”
Blanchard added that Walker’s immediate priorities would be building and serving a wider membership base, enhancing the diversity and inclusivity within the basketball scene, and supporting the identification and development of elite players.
Walker’s move is being seen within sporting circles as a significant gain for English basketball, which will benefit from his leadership while he helps guide the organisation into a new era. As the governing body prepares for a new season—and a permanent appointment—it will be watched with interest how his administrative acumen translates from the rugby pitch to the basketball court.