Player Testimonial | Caleb Thomson | Bahrain RFC
A new country, a new team and a new challenge. For rugby player Caleb Thomson, the opportunity to play in Bahrain represents the next exciting chapter in his international rugby journey.
After exploring potential opportunities in France, gaining experience in Scotland and spending time in Australia, Caleb has now taken the next step in his career by joining Bahrain RFC for the 2026/27 season.
His journey highlights how persistence, flexibility and the right connections can help players find opportunities to continue developing their rugby careers overseas.
Starting His Journey with Oval15.com
Caleb joined Oval15.com in November 2024 with the ambition of joining a French rugby academy and working towards playing for an Espoirs side.
In March 2025, he attracted interest from a French Nationale 2 club looking to bring him into their Espoirs setup. Unfortunately, circumstances meant the opportunity did not materialise.
Rather than giving up on his ambitions, Caleb continued pursuing opportunities elsewhere. His journey took him to Scotland, where he continued playing rugby, followed by a short stint in Australia.
These experiences helped him broaden his horizons and gain valuable exposure to different rugby environments.
Finding the Right Opportunity in Bahrain
In May 2026, Caleb returned to Oval15.com to explore new opportunities and applied for a position with Bahrain RFC through the platform.
The response came quickly. The following day, the club expressed interest in him, opening the door to a move to the Middle East for the 2026/27 season.
For Caleb, this opportunity represents more than simply joining a new club. It is a chance to experience another country, challenge himself in a new environment and continue progressing as a rugby player.
Settling into Life in Bahrain
So far, Caleb’s experience in Bahrain has been extremely positive.
He describes the club and his teammates as incredibly welcoming, adding that everything he has needed has been taken care of since arriving.
“The club and the boys have been incredibly welcoming, and everything I’ve needed has been sorted. Bahrain is a beautiful country. It’s definitely hot, but a really great place to live!”
Having the support of his new club has helped make the transition to life overseas much easier, allowing him to focus on his rugby and prepare for the season ahead.
Preparing for the Season Ahead
Moving to a new country also brings new challenges, particularly when it comes to adapting to different training conditions.
For Caleb, pre-season in Bahrain has been demanding, with the heat providing an additional challenge. However, he sees it as valuable preparation for the competitive season ahead.
“Pre-season has been tough in the heat, but it’s been great preparation for the season ahead.”
He has also been impressed by the professional environment at Bahrain RFC, particularly the quality of the team’s support staff.
“The standard is really high, and it’s been great coming into a team like this, with professional S&C coaches and physios.”
Access to professional strength and conditioning coaches and physiotherapists provides an important foundation for players looking to perform at their best throughout the season.
How Oval15.com Helped Caleb Secure His Move
For Caleb, the experience of securing his opportunity in Bahrain was straightforward and positive.
He credits the direct communication and support he received throughout the recruitment process, particularly from Gibbs, who handles recruitment at Bahrain RFC.
Reflecting on his experience, Caleb said:
“The process of securing the opportunity was unreal. Everything was direct and straightforward, and I was put in contact with Gibbs, who handles recruitment. His communication was superb, and he made the whole process of getting me over to Bahrain so much easier.”
His experience demonstrates the value of having the right connections and support when navigating the international rugby recruitment process.
From initially exploring opportunities in France to eventually securing a position in Bahrain, Caleb’s journey also shows that a player’s path does not always follow a straight line. Staying open to new possibilities can lead to opportunities in unexpected places.
Another Step Forward in His Rugby Career
Caleb Thomson’s move to Bahrain RFC marks another milestone in his international rugby journey.
Having played in different countries and experienced various rugby environments, he now has the opportunity to contribute to a new team while continuing to develop his skills and gain international experience.
His story is a reminder that opportunities abroad are not limited to one country or competition. With the right preparation, persistence and support, players can explore different pathways to achieving their rugby ambitions.
At Oval15.com, we’re proud to help players like Caleb connect with clubs around the world and turn international rugby opportunities into reality.
Looking for Your Next Rugby Opportunity?
Whether you’re an ambitious player looking to take your career overseas or a club searching for the right addition to your squad, Oval15.com helps connect players and clubs across the international rugby community.
Visit Oval15.com to explore opportunities and take the next step in your rugby journey.