Barkley rejoined Bath at the end of April after one season at Gloucester

Bath fly-half and centre Olly Barkley has fractured his left leg on a pre-season training camp in Portugal.

The 27-year-old England back suffered the injury during a tackling drill but is not expected to require surgery.

Bath head coach Steve Meehan said: "Obviously it's had an impact on Olly's pre-season, which is a real shame because he has been training so well.

"But from a team point of view we have every confidence that we will still have a strong start to the season."

Barkley, who has 23 England caps, agreed a move back to the Rec after just one season at Gloucester after missing out on selection for several of the Cherry and Whites' high-profile matches.

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Meehan said Bath have a plenty of cover for the versatile Barkley, who can play at both 10 and 12.

"We have the likes of Shontayne Hape, Nicky Little, Ryan Davis, Tom Cheeseman and Matt Carraro who are all very capable in those positions," said Meehan.

"There is no major drama, it is only a short-term injury."

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