Aviva Premiership
Barkley ready to return
ESPNscrum Staff
October 31, 2011
Bath's Olly Barkley is stretchered off after suffering a suspected broken leg, Gloucester v Bath, Aviva Premiership, Kingsholm, Gloucester, England, March 5, 2011
Oll Barkley fractured his fibia and his tiba against Gloucester earlier this year © Getty Images
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Olly Barkley will make his return to competitive rugby when he takes to the field for Bath United's Aviva 'A' League clash with Exeter Chiefs on Monday night.

The former England international has been out of action for just under eight months after suffering a horrific double fracture of his left leg during Bath's Aviva Premiership clash with Gloucester in March. However, he will line out in his usual position of inside centre against the Chiefs' second-string side.

Meanwhile, Bath coach Brad Davis is backing incoming All Blacks fly-half Stephen Donald to make a massive impact at the Recreation Ground.

Donald, a late addition to the New Zealand squad for the Rugby World Cup, scored the penalty which effectively decided the final in the Kiwis' favour and Davis believes that the 27-year-old stand-off will prove the ideal replacement for South African playmaker Butch James.

"We were really pleased for Stephen personally and are looking forward to having him on board to pass on his knowledge of what he has experienced in the southern hemisphere," he told the Bath Chronicle.

"I think he will be a massive signing for us, both on the field and off it. We're replacing one World Cup-winning fly-half with another."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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