‘Marquee signing’ – England international makes stunning move into rugby’s fourth tier

The experienced lock, who won one cap for England, agreed to join Oundle RFC following his departure from Welford Road, with the Northamptonshire club competing in National Two East – the fourth tier of English rugby.

It represented a remarkable change of scenery for a player who spent more than a decade competing at the highest level of the domestic game.

Wells made 236 appearances for Leicester Tigers across a 13-year spell and was part of the squad that lifted the Premiership title in 2022.

The 6ft 5in forward also received international recognition, making his England debut against Canada at Twickenham in July 2021.

Wells wasn't the only eye-catching name recruited by ambitious Oundle ahead of the new campaign.

Former Northampton Saints winger Tom Collins and ex-Saracens centre Oli Morris also joined the club as they prepared for life in National Two East.

The National League Rugby season preview described the trio as Oundle's “marquee signings”, with Wells bringing considerable top-flight experience to the newly-promoted side.

His time away from the professional game didn't last long, however.

In August, Bristol Bears handed Wells a route back into the PREM, signing the former Tigers forward on a short-term three-month contract.

The deal provides Bristol with additional second-row cover while allowing Wells to return temporarily to the level where he spent the vast majority of his career.

Wells came through the Leicester academy before establishing himself as one of the club's longest-serving players.

His uncompromising approach and versatility across the second and back rows made him a regular presence at Welford Road, culminating in his role in Leicester's 2021/22 Premiership-winning campaign.

After more than 200 appearances in Tigers colours, his departure brought an end to a lengthy chapter with his boyhood club.

And while seeing a former England international lining up in the fourth tier of English rugby might have raised a few eyebrows, Oundle's recruitment of Wells underlines their ambition following promotion.

For now, though, Wells is back in the professional ranks with Bristol – before his longer-term future becomes clearer once his short-term deal comes to an end.

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