"It's an absolute pleasure for me to be at a club with stability and strength, and one that will be challenging at the top end of the table," the back row says. "When you play at struggling clubs though, it gives you an added hunger and you get used to fighting for every point against teams that, on paper, are the better side.
"I've had the experience of having to play every game like a cup final and I believe that only makes you stronger as a player."
Oakley linked up with the squad on trial and after impressing in friendly appearances against Leinster, Moseley and Edinburgh, the former Wales international is relishing the prospect of running out with a packed Franklin's Gardens behind him.
