Berrick Barnes will be fit to start the 2010 Super 14 season despite his ankle injury.
Positive news for Wallabies vice-captain
Berrick Barnes does not require surgery on the ankle injury that has ruled him out of Australia's Grand Slam tour of Britain and Ireland.
It had been feared the Wallabies vice-captain would be sidelined for several months, however, after consulting a specialist he his now expected to be fit for the start of the Super 14 season in February.
"There's no reason why I shouldn't be right for the start of the Super 14 season," said Barnes, who suffered torn ligaments in his left ankle during training prior to Australia's 32-19 defeat against New Zealand in Tokyo.
"It is good news that I don't need surgery and it's a matter now of working hard on the rehab."
Barnes has switched from the Queensland Reds to the New South Wales Waratahs for the 2010 Super 14.
The Waratahs are due to visit the Reds for their season opener on February 13.
