Bristol Bears have signed versatile former Wasps and Leicester Tigers hooker Gabriel Oghre for the 2023/24 season with the former England youth starlet finding a new home after experiencing a nomadic campaign at three different clubs.
Bears’ interest in Oghre was first reported in December after he had recently joined Leicester on a short-term deal following the expulsion of Wasps from the Premiership due to their financial issues. The 24-year-old, who has been capped at England Under-19 and U20 level, made three appearances for Tigers before joining Bordeaux-Begles in the Top 14 in January where he’s played twice.
Oghre is ostensibly a hooker - and was namechecked as such by Pat Lam - but has also operated as a flanker, fitting into the Bears director of rugby’s desire for malleable players who can cover multiple positions and therefore offer greater value within the reduced salary cap.
With five hookers at the club in Harry Thacker, Bryan Byrne, Jake Kerr, Will Capon - who signed a new two-year contract in February - and Fred Davies, Oghre’s arrival indicates at least one is moving on following the conclusion of this season.
“Gabriel is a very talented young English hooker who has a strong desire to succeed. He has good experience of playing in the Premiership and more recently, the Top 14,” Bears director of rugby Lam said. “With his dynamic style, with and without the ball, and the way he plays the game, I know he will add real value to the Bears on and off the field.”
Londoner Oghre began his career with Wasps in 2017 having previously been part of Bath’s academy after studying at Millfield. He was part of the England U20 squads at the 2018 Six Nations and World Championships and was called up by the senior side for a training camp under Eddie Jones in 2021.
“Joining the Bears is a new challenge and one that I’m really excited for,” Oghre said. “It’s a club with big aspirations and with a range of youth and experience to help reach them. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to be a part of it.”
