OEs sign Loughborough centre

The talented 22-year-old student started his career at Wasps Academy after graduating from Epsom College, before signing for London Scottish for the 2014 season.

The following year he went to Loughborough University reading History and Politics. “I had three great seasons with Loughborough,” Dockery said, “but I spoke with Sam Howard [OEs head coach] and I thought it was a great opportunity for me as a player to move to Elthamians. I live in Lingfield in Surrey and OEs is my local National One side and I'm looking forward to helping them challenge near the top of the table next season.”

Last season was a disappointing one for Dockery who suffered a season-ending injury in October, ironically playing against Elthamians at College Meadow in the first ever meeting between the two sides.

“The season was incredibly frustrating for me,” Dockery admitted. “I suffered a serious injury to my AC joint against OEs and had to sit out the rest of the season following surgery. However, it was great to see Loughborough survive on the last day of the season. Now I'm excited to get stuck into it this pre-season at Elthamians.”

There will be some familiar faces in the Elthamians squad when Dockery, who has just started a Diploma in Wine, arrives at College Meadow for pre-season. “I've played with both Max Wilkins and Kieran Moffat,” he said, “and I'm looking forward to joining up with them again and helping the team win as many games as possible.

“I'm a centre who likes to get his hands on the ball and I think having played the Loughborough way means I will integrate quickly into Elthamians’ style of play. OEs have got a great squad and the fact that they play an expansive game is a big plus factor for me.”

Director of Rugby Gavin Lach said: “I’m delighted to welcome Charlie to College Meadow. He is another exciting young talent with plenty of experience of playing at a higher level under his belt already. The fact he is an exciting broken field runner and something of a sevens specialist as well, will provide us with some much needed variety in the midfield.”

Charlie Dockery
Fact File
Age: 22
Height: 1.89m
Weight: 93kg
Position: centre
Former clubs:
Wasps, London Scottish,
Loughborough University

Updated 17:50 - 30 Aug 2019 by Jon Edwards