Alfie Barbeary WILL need surgery after latest injury setback
Rugby NewsFriday, 10 March 2023 at 18:09
Alfie Barbeary will need surgery after suffering a heartbreaking serious injury when making his long-awaited Bath debut against Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership.
The former Wasps star came on for his debut just before halftime and showed Bath fans what they are looking for in future with an early line break to start the second forty.
Your heart goes out to him though after another great carry his knee and muscles seemed to buckle as his debut ended in injury.
The club said in a statement today: "Alfie Barbeary had a scan on his knee on Monday after sustaining an injury against Leicester Tigers.
"He did not suffer a ligament injury but he will require surgery early next week."
5 best uncapped English players who could be World Cup bolters
Steve Borthwick has spoken frequently of his desire to uncover a World Cup bolter, England’s equivalent of Nehe Milner-Skudder, who broke into the New Zealand team in 2015 and scored in the final against Australia.
Here are five talented players who could put their hand up for selection between now and when the World Cup kicks off next September in France.
#1. Tom Pearson - London Irish
The back-rower from London Irish has been in outstanding form for the Exiles this season, excelling in every aspect of the game.
Although Borthwick will have numerous choices in the back-row, Pearson's ability to play in all three positions and his reliability in the lineouts make him a valuable asset.
Pearson is a tough defender, and he also performs well in the breakdown, averaging over one turnover per match in the Premiership.
#2. Tom Willis - Bordeaux Begles
The 23-year-old, who has been playing for Bordeaux after leaving Wasps is one of the finest back-row prospects in the country and will join Saracens next season.
The former England Under 20’s captain will spend the remainder of the season in the Top 14, and then make the move back to the Gallagher Premiership in the summer on a long-term deal.
Willis spoke only last month about his ambition of playing for England together with his brother.
#3. Will Evans - Harlequins
He joined Harlequins from Leicester Tigers for the 2019/20 season.
The flanker enjoyed a stellar rise in the closing stages of the 2015/16 season, making his senior debut for Leicester Tigers against Gloucester. He went on to make 26 appearances for Leicester, eight as a starter.
A standout for England at youth level, Evans was named in the U20 World Championship Dream Team in 2016. He was a member of England’s senior EPS squad of 45 back in 2016 at the tender age of 19.
Evans made 21 appearances in his debut season with Harlequins and added a further 16 in his second season in the club where he finished the Premiership season with more turnovers (29) than anyone other player.
Injury denied him a chance to feature in the Premiership Final for Harlequins, but the flanker played a pivotal role in their journey to the showpiece event.
Will Evans of Harlequins breaks through the tackle of Stu Townsend of Exeter Chiefs during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins at Sandy Park on 25th September 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Alfie Barbeary - Bath RFC
One of the most exciting young talents in the English game, Barbeary has been involved in a succession of England squads over the past few years and has made a name for himself in European competition and the Gallagher Premiership.
He marked his senior debut for Wasps with a try just three weeks after turning 18 and has continued his fine scoring form ever since, crossing the whitewash 10 times in 26 league outings since 2019.
In Europe, the Number 8 has produced several player-of-the-match performances, including a superb display against 2021 Heineken Champions Cup winners Toulouse, and has a 1:1 try ratio.
Alfie Barbeary of Wasps during the Gallagher Premiership rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Wasps at Sandy Park on 17 April 2021. Photo: Cameron Geran/PPAUK
#5. Fin Smith - Northampton Saints
Rugby runs in the family as his Grandad was capped for Scotland and went on the 1955 Lions tour.
Smith featured for England at U20 level, playing a key role in their 2021 Six Nations campaign. His performances for Premiership side Northampton Saints have earned him a call up to Steve Borthwicks squad for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.
Yet to be capped, the playmaker is arguably the most exciting young talent in the Gallagher Premiership right now.
Fin Smith of Worcester Warriors during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Worcester Warriors and Bristol Bears at Sixways Stadium, Worcester on 18 February 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
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