Bath's Alfie Barbeary, nominated for the Champions Cup player of the year award, says he tries not to dwell on international recognition as it affects his performance. The uncapped 25-year-old No 8 is preparing for a defining test against Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
Barbeary, known for his exuberant celebrations in skimpy blue trunks after Bath's double trophy win last season, admits his mother told him to 'put your clothes back on'. He has since focused on fitness, reporting early for extra training to avoid being seen as 'just on the piss' during the off-season.
The 'Beast of Banbury' has returned to his upright carrying style after coaches urged him to adopt a lower body position. 'It was unnatural for me to carry the ball at a low body height,' he explained. 'So I went back to my roots.'
Barbeary, who spoke to England coach Steve Borthwick around the start of the Six Nations, knows a strong performance away to Bordeaux could boost his international prospects. 'If Bath want to be the best we've got to play in games like this and really test ourselves,' he said.
