Posted by Former winger Nigel Walker has stepped down from his role as an advisor to the Cardiff Rugby Board after being appointed as the Welsh Rugby Union’s Performance Director.
The 58-year-old took up his position as an advisor at the Arms Park last summer, focusing largely on the development pathway and the transition of young players into the first team, working closely with Academy Manager Gruff Rees on ensuring the best homegrown talent graduates into the blue and black jersey.
Walker started his professional sporting career as a sprint hurdler, representing Great Britain at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, before taking up senior rugby in 1992 with Cardiff where he scored 78 tries in 121 games, as well as winning 17 Wales caps.
He now joins the WRU where he takes on the role last held by Ryan Jones focusing on the professional and high performance side of rugby in the country, where he will initially focus on developing a development pathway for the women’s game and a long-term strategy for the men’s game.
Speaking to the official club website, Walker said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 12 months or so on the Cardiff Rugby Board and I am sad to leave but the Performance Director role with the WRU was too great an opportunity to turn down since it offers the prospect of making a meaningful contribution to all national teams.
“I would like to offer my thanks to the entire Cardiff Rugby Board for making me feel so welcome and being open to change, and to Dai Young, his staff and all the players for their engagement and hard work. I look forward to continuing to work closely with them all in my new position. I wish all at Cardiff Rugby every best wish for success in the coming season and beyond.”
Cardiff Rugby Life 