Alfie Barbeary confirms position change after talks with Eddie Jones

Having started off his professional career in the front row as a hooker, it's now been confirmed that the versatile forward will operate in the back-row moving forward.

The talented 21-year-old, who was tipped to be a breakout star with England, had only played twice in 2021 before last night due to a syndesmosis injury followed by a series of hamstring issues.

“He'll be a back-rower,” revealed Wasps boss Lee Blackett to

CoventryLive.

“We spoke at the end of last season, myself Eddie Jones and him.

"We were all involved in the discussion and Alfie wants to play back-row. His appetite and his passion is to be there, so he'll be a number eight.”

DID YOU KNOW? Barbeary arrived from Bloxham School, where he won the Natwest School Plate final in March 2019.

Wilkinson started his career at Newcastle School of Rugby as an inside centre, competing for a place with international veterans such as Inga Tuigamala, and Lion Alan Tait. He then took over from Rob Andrew, who was made Falcons head coach (later Director of Rugby), as both their fly-half and goal kicker. The rest is history.

He made his Tigers debut at centre against London Irish on Boxing Day 2006, broke his leg after five minutes and came off after thirteen. He was then persuaded to become a hooker by Heyneke Meyer and went onto captain Tigers as well as win 28 England caps.

Who could forget this odd position change? The cross-code star came into rugby union, playing in the back-row for Bath in the Premiership. England then started him in the centre at the Rugby World Cup. Still trying to work that one out..

Sale Sharks coach Philippe Saint-André saw him primarily as a full-back, commenting after a strong performance from Foden against Newcastle Falcons, "If he's not a full-back I will eat my French beret. Despite these ringing words of endorsement from his coach, Foden's desire to play scrum half saw him sign for Northampton Saints on the basis of a promise to play him at his preferred position. Long story short, he's back at fullback.