Former Leicester Tigers lock Harry Wells joins Bristol Bears on three-month deal

Harry Wells has returned to the Gallagher Premiership by signing a three-month contract with Bristol Bears, the club confirmed, with the 32-year-old lock arriving from National 2 East side Oundle RFC, where he had been working as a player-coach.

Wells spent the majority of his career at Leicester Tigers, making 236 first-team appearances after coming through the club’s Academy. He made his Tigers debut as a 19-year-old in 2013, had a spell with Bedford Blues in the Championship, then returned to Welford Road in 2016 as a senior player. He was part of the Leicester side that won the Premiership title in 2022 before being released at the end of last season.

Bristol Director of Rugby Pat Lam cited the ongoing injury absences of Josh Caulfield, Bill Mata, and Khalik Kareem as the primary motivation for bringing Wells in. “Harry is a proven PREM player who brings a huge amount of quality and experience to our group,” Lam said. “He’s played more than 200 games at this level, won the PREM and knows exactly what it takes to perform consistently in a demanding competition. With our back five options stretched, Harry is an excellent fit — a tough, hard-working player who does the basics extremely well.”

Wells said he was eager to embrace the challenge of a new environment. “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to join Bristol and to test myself at a new club,” he said. “I’m also grateful to Oundle RFC for their support in allowing me to take up this short-term opportunity. I remain committed to Oundle and plan to return to the club following the conclusion of my time with the Bears.”

Oundle RFC have agreed to release Wells for the duration of the deal, with the lock set to rejoin the National 2 East club once his stint at Ashton Gate concludes.