He began playing rugby at the age of 14, representing Nottingham High School,[3] where he played alongside future professional rugby players Alex Lewington and Max Trimble.

[5] In 2013, Stokes joined Cambridge Rugby Club, and played a role in their promotion to National League One in 2016.

At Coventry, he helped the team secure promotion to the RFU Championship in the 2017–18 season.

[6] He also tied the club record for most tries in a single game, scoring four against Yorkshire Carnegie in the 2019–20 season.

[8] In December 2019, Stokes signed with London Irish on a short-term contract.