Wales Rugby League would like to welcome Ian Deakin, who joins the board as a Non-Executive Director (NED), bringing a strong background in employment law, governance and compliance.
Deakin currently holds a senior compliance role within the private sector. Before moving into compliance, he spent over 20 years as an employment lawyer, including several years as a partner, heading up the Manchester employment team of a major regional law firm, advising on litigation, restructures, senior exits, and safeguarding issues in the education sector.
He also has significant experience in sport, both as an NED and as an adviser to teams, funders, and National Governing Bodies.
Deakin brings a wealth of NED experience to the role, including a senior board position with a National Governing Body, as well as board roles spanning grassroots sport and education. This gives him a strong combination of legal and governance expertise and a long-standing connection to, and passion for, rugby league.
He said: “I’ve been passionate about rugby league all my life, so the chance to help a great rugby league nation like Wales — and to bring my career experience in law, governance and compliance to the Board — is a fantastic opportunity. I’m really looking forward to contributing to Wales Rugby League’s continued growth and helping shape its future.”
Wales Rugby League chairman, James Davies, said: “I’d like to welcome Ian to Wales Rugby League. He brings exceptional expertise in governance, compliance and employment law, alongside extensive board-level experience within sport.
“Ian’s knowledge and values will strengthen our leadership, support good decision-making, and help ensure we continue to build a National Governing Body that is fit for the future while creating the best possible environment for our clubs, participants and wider rugby league community.”
