 Barkley has scored 1247 points for Bath |
England back Olly Barkley has rejected overtures from Premiership leaders Sale to sign a new contract with Bath until the end of the 2007/08 season. Barkley, 24, admitted he had pondered a move but has opted to stay at The Rec.
"I have been taking my time over the decision to sign a new contract as I wanted to make sure that I would make the correct choice," he said.
"The next few seasons are going to be really important for myself with Bath and England leading to the World Cup."
Barkley, who missed the entire Six Nations with a dislocated thumb, is Bath's second highest points-scorer behind Jon Callard.
He cited the change of emphasis provided by Brian Ashton's return as head coach since the new year as a major factor in his decision to stay.
"He is one of the main reasons that I decided to stay," Barkley added.
"I admire his outlook on how rugby should be played and I believe that he will take Bath places in the not so distant future."
Barkley will miss Saturday's Premiership game against Leicester but hopes to return to action the following Saturday in a Heineken Cup quarter-final against the same opponents.
MMIX
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