The former London Irish Academy second row has been intermittently at the club for three years, but has now fully committed to chasing a first-team spot.
The 6ft 6in, 108kg lock was close to making a National One debut as an 18-year-old at Birmingham Moseley in 2024, but has since been studying sport management at Cardiff Met University.
However, explaining his decision to prioritise club over university rugby, he said: “I’m going into my final year and it just feels the right time to fully commit.
“I’ll be up-and-down the M4 every Tuesday and Thursday, and then hopefully Saturday.
“I’m really looking forward to it and battling to try and earn a spot in the team.
“I’ve got lots to learn but the coaches are so good, and I’ll look to soak up lots from the older players.
“At Uni it’s basically 18 to 21-year-olds, so having people with experience should help me improve.
“I love the style of play and I’ll be working hard to try and win as many caps as I can.
“It’s a big honour to finally sign – it’s been the biggest club in Berkshire for a while now and to be local and have the chance to represent them is a big moment.”
Rams is ‘everything I look for in a rugby club’
Looking back to when he first arrived at Rams, Ollie added: “The London Irish situation was difficult – I was in my last year of Under 18s and the coaching was gone immediately.
“Not having somewhere to go after was difficult, but I’d always known about Rams and got in touch with (Director of Rugby) Seb (Reynolds).
“Being in the running to play Birmingham gave me confidence and showed the belief the coaches had in me as a young player.
“It’s continued with the likes of Paddy (Jackson), Liam Elston – I was playing with them in some Development XV games and they did really well to get into the first team.
“And the time I’ve been there in the past three years has been great, it’s a wonderful place to be.
“They’re a great team with top players and fantastic supporters – it aligns with everything I look for in a rugby club.”
Ollie first picked up a ball as a four-year-old at hometown club Newbury, and went to school at Cold Ash St Mark’s primary.
He was spotted by the Irish DPP system as a 12-year-old, and after going to Trinity School, Newbury, was awarded a sixth form scholarship to Bishop Wand.
‘The support is superb’
Commenting on his style of play, the 20-year-old revealed: “I’m a bit of a line-out obsessive, whether it’s attacking or defending I’ve always prided myself on being able to read things well.
“I’d say another point of difference is my speed and athleticism, I like to think I’m quicker than a lot of second rows.”
Having played under the Old Bath Road lights for the Development XV, Ollie praised the atmosphere created by the supporters.
He closed: “There’s something special even for those midweek games, the support is superb.
“And I’ve watched quite a few first-team games. The crowd always turn up in big numbers and create a brilliant atmosphere.
“It would mean a huge amount to play in front of them rather than be supporting!”
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