Wells was a blind side flanker who came close to a Test cap in 1988 after winning international Schools Under-16 and 18 honours, together with those at Students, Under-23 and B levels.

He captained Leicester from 1991-93 and led the team that beat Harlequins 23-16 in the 1993 Pilkington Cup final. It was the Tigers' first Twickenham triumph in 12 years.

After playing 367 times, placing him ninth in the club's all-time list, he became the forwards coach in 1998 and head coach in 2004 before joining the RFU as a National Academy coach.

While at Leicester, he was assistant Saxons' coach to Brian Ashton, took over the role as head coach and became the forwards coach for the senior squad in 2006 to assist Andy Robinson. He remained in this position after first Brian Ashton and then Martin Johnson took charge of the team.