Barkley to join Gloucester

Bath have announced that England fly-half Olly Barkley will leave the club at the end of the current season to join local rivals Gloucester.

Bath have announced that England fly-half Olly Barkley will leave the club at the end of the current season to join local rivals Gloucester.

Having spent the last six seasons with the club Barkley will look for a new challenge next season, and in doing so admitted it was a tough decision to leave Bath.

“The club has played such a massive part in my life and everyone at Bath has been a great support to me as a player and as a person,” Barkley said.

“I have the greatest respect for the players, coaches and support staff and I didn't, by any means, make my decision lightly.”

Barkley has stressed that despite his decision he will continue to give 100 per cent until the end of the season.

“I am determined to make this my best season for Bath and to help bring home some silverware,” he added.

“Although I do believe Bath are going to go on to do great things, I feel that it is the right time for me to take on new challenges and explore other avenues in my career.”

Barkley has played most of his club rugby at inside centre this season, with Springbok fly-half Butch James occupying the number ten jersey. He will face similar competition at Gloucester who boast Ryan Lamb and Chris Paterson among their fly-halves.

Speaking on his move to Gloucester Barkley stressed he was joining a club that is heading in the right direction.

“When you look at the training facilities at Hartpury College and the stadium developments at Kingsholm, it is clear that Gloucester is a club that is going places. I look forward to playing my part next season and establishing myself in the squad,” he said.

With the wealth of back line talent Gloucester have it may seem an odd move, but head coach Dean Ryan was only too happy to welcome the 21-times capped England man to Kingsholm.

We were looking for an experienced back to enhance our squad for next season and Olly fits the bill perfectly,” Ryan said.

“He is a skilful runner, clinical kicker and versatile enough to play at international level in more than one position.

“Olly recognises that he will have to work exceptionally hard to earn his place in the Gloucester team owing to the strength of our existing squad, but that is one of the reasons we wanted him – he has a great attitude and will not shy away from the challenge.

“This signing reinforces our desire to create a competitive environment at Gloucester with outstanding young talent at its core, which can only be good for the future of the club.”