3:30pm, Thu 20 Sep 2012 West Country Sport

Barkley to leave Bath

- last updated Mon 14 Jan 2013

Bath's Olly Barkley is to leave the club. Photo: Tim Ireland/PA Wire.

Bath's Olly Barkley is to join French club Racing Metro at the end of the month.

The 30-year-old has made over 200 appearances for the club, and has 23 England caps. Apart from a season at Gloucester, Barkley has spent his entire career at The Rec.

The fly-half will be available for Bath's next two games against London Irish this weekend and Sale on September 29th before moving to the Paris club.

Barkley told Bath's official website:

Bath Rugby is in my heart and it always will be. When I no longer play the game, this will be the Club I come to watch. I will be forever a Bath boy but this, for me, was simply the opportunity of a lifetime and one I just couldn't ignore.

I will miss the Club always, and I wish all of my mates here the very best. I believe they are a special group with special coaches, and I hope they achieve everything they desire.

I'd like to thank the Club for their understanding, and also the Bath supporters who have been amazing to me in my time here."

– Olly Barkley

Head Coach Gary Gold added:

I could not have been more impressed with both his attitude and his incredibly professional approach since I arrived at the Club.

As a senior player, he could not have worked harder or been more welcoming to us as a group of coaches, but every now and then an offer lands on the table that a bloke just can't refuse.

We are sorry to see him go, but he goes with our blessing. He will always be welcome here."

– Gary Gold, Head Coach, Bath