Barkley faces tough task

Barkley: Looking to challenge for place

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Olly Barkley has admitted that he faces a tough task in wrestling the number 12 jersey from Shontayne Hape.

The 27-year-old has returned to the club after spending last season at Gloucester and Barkley expects it to be a hard process in securing a starting berth at The Rec.

He told The Bath Chronicle "I've definitely got something to prove to the coaches, to the boys and to the fans. That's very important for me.

"The boys have welcomed me back with open arms and the coaches have been great, and I hope the supporters will be too, I owe something to them."

Former Bradford Bulls star Hape has surprised everyone with how successful his conversion from league to union has been.

"I understand Shontayne has played incredibly well over the past year and he has got hold of that jersey so it's not going to be an easy thing to get back in there," added Barkley.

Opportunity

Barkley was omitted from the England elite player and Saxons squads after he turned down the tours to the Americas, but he has revealed his highest priority is his club.

"The stepping stone to international rugby is your club and with Shontayne playing well here, I felt I needed to concentrate on getting back into the Bath squad and working as hard as I possibly can here and adjusting to the style of play," said Barkley.

Barkley struggled to fit in at Gloucester, finding it hard to adjust to the style of play, so has welcomed a chance to return to his former club.

"I never took this club or city for granted, but being away you do realise how close something is to your heart," added Barkley.

"I'm very grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to come back. I'm happy now and I owe a lot of that to Steve Meehan (head coach), Andrew Brownsword (owner) and Bob Calleja (chief executive)."