INTERVIEW: Alfie Barbeary is a ‘different’ kind of rugby player – flying high with ambitious Bath and full of ambition to break into Steve Borthwick’s England squad

• Barbeary, 23,  is fast becoming one of the country’s brightest young prospects 
• No 8 is looking to move past the demise of former club Wasps and injury issues 
• Despite having featured for England’s age group sides, he’s without a senior cap 

Asked to describe himself in three words while wearing a trendy fleece and cap and sporting a trim moustache and pair of earrings, Alfie Barbeary’s response isn’t really much of a surprise. 

‘There are a few words which come to mind which I can’t say! I’d say I’m a character, different, and cheerful,’ Barbeary – flying high with ambitious Bath this season – quips with a smile. 

‘I’ve always liked to do different things with my hair. When I was younger I used to grow it all out. I used to have boots that were as bright as anything so my mum could tell when I was playing. When I first started playing (professionally) I thought I’d better go in a bit humble with black boots but my mum said she couldn’t see me so I’d do some crazy things with my hair for better or worse. Some of the haircuts have been horrendous. My mum is still a hairdresser. I don’t let her touch mine though.’

And what was the maternal verdict on the earrings? 

‘She wasn’t too happy, I can tell you that!’ Barbeary responds. 

Bath Rugby’s Alfie Barbeary describes himself as a ‘character’ – and ‘different and cheeful’

In the thick of a strong season with Bath, Barbeary is one of the England’s brightest talents

Barbeary is fully focused on playing No 8 after playing as a hooker under Eddie Jones

He will hope to let his rugby – and not his fashion – do the talking on Saturday when Bath begin their Champions Cup campaign at home to Ulster. England head coach Steve Borthwick will be in the crowd. 

Ever since he was welcomed into England camp by Borthwick’s predecessor Eddie Jones as a young rookie, Barbeary, now 23, has been seen as one of the country’s brightest prospects. 

His last 18 months have been ruined by the demise of his boyhood side Wasps and hamstring and knee injuries. 

Those issues are now behind him and he is impressing after joining Bath. Barbeary has also grown to understand post-match nights out are not optimal for recovery and that he must battle his dislike of gym work in order to stay fully fit. 

‘I can’t do it. My body is in bits after a game,’ he says of ditching the beer. ‘You’ve got to look after yourself to stay on the pitch. I’d love to be out there, but unfortunately I just don’t have it in me anymore! I’ve never been the biggest fan of the gym but as much as I enjoy rugby, I’ve got to work hard at the other stuff. There’s a bit of maturity starting to come out. 

‘That probably wasn’t there in previous years. When you are young you have no fear. You either come out of it a hero or not and I had no fear. 

‘I would just go out to play and see what happened.’ 

A product of Banbury Rugby Club, Barbeary is now fully focused on playing No 8 after Jones wanted him to concentrate on being a hooker. If he continues as he is, a Six Nations call from Borthwick next month looks likely. 

Bath, guided by No 10 Finn Russell but with a powerful pack, are second in the Premiership going into Europe. 

Barbeary has featured for England’s youth sides but is yet to win a senior cap for his country

But the former Wasps player is hopeful of hearing from Steve Borthwick ahead of Six Nations selections next month

Barbeary – who scored a hat-trick on his Premiership debut with Wasps – has played for England’s age group teams but is yet to win a senior cap. He has held recent talks with Borthwick. 

‘There are aspirations to play for England. It has been a childhood dream of mine,’ he says. ‘We’ve had a brief conversation. I’ve got to put in the performances to be selected. 

‘I have to focus on playing each week, building up minutes, and getting confidence. I was out for a while and I am just about finding form again. That long time out really struck me. 

‘We’re obviously very excited about being in Europe. Everyone loves this competition. We’re confident in ourselves and our team. We know we’re a team that’s hard to beat.’

Source: Read Full Article