Rugby:Bath have confirmed the departure of their England international back Olly Barkley to French club Racing Metro 92. Outhalf Barkley, 30, will be available for Bath's next two English Premiership games against London Irish this weekend and Sale on September 29th.

Barkley, who has made more than 200 appearances for Bath, will move to Racing as a so-called “medical joker” after the Paris club saw two outhalves suffer long-term injuries and are without their regular number 10 Juan Martin Hernandez due to Rugby Championship commitments with Argentina.

Barkley, who has won 23 England caps, told Bath’s official website his move to Paris was “the opportunity of a lifetime”.

Barkley said: “Bath Rugby is in my heart and it always will be. When I no longer play the game, this will be the club I come to watch. I will be forever a Bath boy, but this, for me, was simply the opportunity of a lifetime and one I just couldn’t ignore.

“I will miss the club always, and I wish all of my mates here the very best. I believe they are a special group with special coaches, and I hope they achieve everything they desire. I would like to thank the club for their understanding, and also the Bath supporters, who have been amazing to me in my time here.”