Leeds Career

Former Newport Gwent Dragons player, Rhys Oakley, has been an almost ever present for Leeds Carnegie since joining the club ahead of the 2006-07 season.  A talented and committed player he had a pivotal role in the side who gained promotion in his debut season.  He provides the team with a number of options with his ability to play anywhere in the back row. 
He was an ever present for Leeds in the League that year and always performed at the highest level.  He made his debut against London Welsh and despite the disappointment of losing that game he and the team bounced back to finish top of the league.  He scored his first try that season in the 37-27 win over Moseley and followed this up with tries in the subsequent matches against Waterloo and Exeter Chiefs.  One of the most memorable moments was his try in the away fixture against Otley when the team's 40-12 win over their local rivals guaranteed their place back in the Premiership.
Last season he made 23 starts and 2 further appearances as replacement and registered one try, which came in the away fixture against Harlequins.

Rugby Career

Oakley was born in Plymouth and previously played in the Premiership with Bristol, who he made 19 starts for and was an almost ever present in their Heineken Cup campaign. He then moved to Wales to join Newport in 2003, following Bristol's relegation from the top flight. Rhys went onto make 50 appearances for the Newport based club. He made his debut for Wales against Ireland in the World Cup warm up games in 2003 in the back row alongside former Leeds player Richard Parks. He also appeared for Wales in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006, being part of the squad who won the Plate competition in Sevens Rugby.

Personal Details

Rhys says his greatest achievement is being capped for Wales. The person he most admired in the game is Tana Umaga and his favourite sportsperson is England football captain John Terry. He attended Marlwood School in Bristol where his favourite subject was Art.