England
Ex-England international Olly Barkley pens new London Welsh deal
ESPN Staff
April 17, 2015
Olly Barkley
Olly Barkley© Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Olly Barkley has re-signed with London Welsh and has targeted promotion to the Aviva Premiership next term.

Barkley joined the Exiles ahead of this season but with their relegation now confirmed, he will be playing in the Championship next term. He brings a wealth of experience to the Exiles having been capped 23 times by England and he is hopeful of helping them back into the top flight at the first time of asking.

"It's not been an easy year but I'm committed to seeing my journey with London Welsh through, and helping to repay the great support we've received from fans in both Oxford and London," Barkley said. "I'm really looking forward to working with our new team and the reinvigorated coaching regime, which is being put together, to put this season behind us and lay a strong foundation for promotion back to the Premiership for the 2016/17 season.

"With more re-signings to come and new signings to be announced, these are exciting times. I'm also really excited by having a bigger role in the construction and development of certain areas of our game. It will be a new challenge for me but I'm going to do all I can to make sure it's a success and a part of our game that people look forward to being a part of and developing within it."

London Welsh director of rugby Steve Lewis added: "Olly's re-signing is a massive statement by the club with regards to its ambitions for next season. Olly is a former England international with nearly 200 Premiership appearances under his belt and over 1600 points scored, and that experience and ability will be invaluable as the club targets an immediate return to the top flight.

"He is well respected amongst the players and as well as competing for a starting spot next season, Olly will play a leadership role amongst our backs and help in the development of our attacking style."

© ESPN Staff

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.