Barnes made his England Saxons debut in February against Portugal

Bristol fly-half Ed Barnes will be out for at least another six months after re-rupturing his Achilles tendon.

The 28-year-old first suffered the injury in Bristol's last Premiership game of the season in April, away at Leicester Tigers.

"It's very very sad news for him and sad news for us as he's a vital member of our team," head coach Paul Hull told BBC Radio Bristol.

"He can play at 10 or 12 and is a good link player for us."

Barnes joined Bristol from Plymouth Albion for the start of the 2007/8 season and made his debut at Wasps, coming off the bench to score a late penalty to earn a draw.

His performances for Bristol earned him a call-up to the England Saxons squad in February, when he made his debut against Portugal.

"It's bitterly disappointing for Ed as he was six to eight weeks away from coming back. It's the same foot just in a different place," added Hull.

"He had the operation on Monday and is on the road to recovery but that will be another six months obviously."

Hull said it was too soon to decided if they would look for a short-term replacement for the injured Barnes.

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