Barkley raring to go

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Centre Olly Barkley is aiming to carry his impressive club form on to the international stage when England tackle New Zealand in the first Test at Eden Park.

Barkley, who is set to swap Bath for Gloucester on his return from the tour, was one of the stand-out players in the Premiership after starring in England's World Cup campaign.

However, then coach Brian Aston surprisingly opted to drop Barkley from the squad for the RBS Six Nations due to off-field issues.

But Barkley new manager Martin Johnson and RFU elite director Rob Andrew had no doubts in naming him in their squad to face the All Blacks - with the 26-year-old handed the No.12 shirt in Auckland.

And Barkley, who has also been handed the kicking duties ahead of Charlie Hodgson, can't wait for the action to get under way.

Enjoyed


He told Sky Sports News: "I have enjoyed my season at Bath and have had a good season.

"I don't want this tour to be separate from that. I want it to be a continuation of the fun I have had and the way I have played."

Barkley is joined in the England starting XV by London Irish winger Topsy Ojo, who has been rewarded for his fine form this season with a first cap.

And Ojo was straight on the phone to his family after finding out he would be making his debut.

He told Sky Sports News: "Rob said he wanted to get the team out of the way to let the guys know who was starting. Obviously he read it out and he came over and said, 'Congratulations Topsy, first cap'. Everybody was really happy.

"I told my dad and brother straight away when we got back from training so I think they are on their way over now, and it will be good to see them on Saturday."\

Source:Skysports