Alfie Barbeary, the shaggy-haired Bath colossus, is preparing to smash holes in Bordeaux Bègles' Champions Cup title defence at the Stade Atlantique on Sunday. The 25-year-old No 8, nominated for the player-of-the-year award, is known for his explosive carrying and eccentric personality, including his infamous budgie smugglers.
International Recognition and Mindset
Barbeary, uncapped by England, admits he tries not to think about national selection. 'I try not to think about it. It gets in my head and I don't play well,' he said. Despite speaking with England coach Steve Borthwick earlier this year, Barbeary focuses on performing for Bath, hoping everything falls into place.
The Budgie Smugglers Saga
Last season's trophy celebrations saw Barbeary parade in skimpy blue trunks on an open-top bus. 'No one told me I took it too far except for my mother. I got a few texts from her saying: Put your clothes back on now,' he recalled. The partying continued at Glastonbury, with Barbeary admitting: 'If you put beer in me at any point in that off-season the budgies were on.'
Turning a New Leaf
Barbeary returned early for extra fitness at Bath's Farleigh Hungerford base, avoiding his budgies to wind up staff. 'I was more like a shy dog. Head down and looking through the eyebrows,' he said. The hard work paid off, earning him player-of-the-match awards in key wins over Northampton, Castres, and Exeter.
Playing Style and Adaptation
Barbeary reverted to his upright carrying technique after struggling with low body position advice. 'I was trying to play in a way I'd never really played before. It was unnatural for me to carry the ball at a low body height. So I went back to my roots,' he explained.
The Bordeaux Test
Sunday's semi-final is a defining test. 'If Bath want to be the best we've got to play in games like this and really test ourselves,' Barbeary said. Borthwick will be watching, but Barbeary remains focused on the team's success.
Future and Farewell
Barbeary is relocating to London to join Saracens this summer, but he is determined to win more silverware with Bath first. 'We've almost won everything in my time here so it would be nice to go out on a bang,' he said. Despite his unusual matchday diet of toast or toastie, he hopes to soften up Bordeaux and propel Bath into the final.
