Walker begins work to address inequality

NEW WRU performance director Nigel Walker plans on getting Wales women’s side back on their feet and improving the governing body’s diversity in radical new plans.

Former Cardiff wing Walker took up his role last week and his in-tray at Principality Stadium is full to bursting. One thing he would like to see is Welsh rugby better reflect today’s society.

Only 22 of 1,171 players capped by Wales over 140 years have been been from black or ethnic minority (BAME) backgrounds – less than two per cent.

At the high table of Welsh rugby, Walker will be the only BAME man or woman among the eightperson executive committee.

“I had an interesting conversation with someone last week who is working with the WRU in the diversity and inclusion space,” Walker said. “All of these things are ongoing and it is a topic that is being discussed regularly.

“There is a recognition the game in Wales is not truly representative of the society in which we currently live. It’s an ongoing debate and one that is ongoing in the Olympic and Paralympic world as well.”

Wales women have lost their last 12 matches and the WRU have held an indepth review into where the team has been going wrong. They will face Japan, South Africa and Canada this autumn hoping for a fresh start with Walker promising to help the team to a revival.

Wales women captain Siwan Lillicrap said: “The WRU, through both Steve Phillips and Nigel, have apologised to us and said it hasn’t been good enough. They are now committed to change.

“I have absolute faith in Nigel and it is exciting he’s now started. His appointment is massive for us. His priority is the women’s game and, hopefully, big changes can now happen.

“For us to be the best version of ourselves, something has to give. We need to be invested in and Nigel has said that is going to happen in some format after the recommendations that were made in the review of the women’s game in Wales.”