Bourgoin snap up Oakley

Former Wales international Rhys Oakley is set to join Bourgoin after activating a release clause in his contract at Leeds.

Leeds No.8 activates release clause

Former Wales international Rhys Oakley is set to join Bourgoin after activating a release clause in his contract at Leeds. The 30-year-old No.8 still had a year to run on his current deal at Headingley, however he will now end his five-year stay to move to France. Oakley moved to Leeds from Newport Gwent Dragons and went on to make 138 appearances and score 14 tries for Carnegie. However the club's relegation from the Premiership meant he was free to talk to other interested parties, with Oakley, who won two caps for Wales, now opting to accept an offer to play across the Channel. And Oakley admitted the chance to move had been just too good to turn down. He said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leeds Carnegie and made many lifelong friends. "However, I have received an opportunity to play in a different competition with a longer term contract and I am now looking forward to my next challenge. "I wish Diccon Edwards and all the boys the best of luck for next season and I am sure they will be back in the Premiership in the near future."