Confirmed: Treble winner Alfie Barbeary swaps Bath for Saracens

Gallagher PREM rivals Bath and Saracens have confirmed that Alfie Barbeary is leaving at The Rec at the end of the season to make the move to North London.

RugbyPass revealed on Thursday that Barbeary, who joined from Wasps four years ago and has scored 17 tries in 60 games in competitions for last season’s treble winners, has signed a two-year deal with Saracens.

Banbury-born, Barbeary enjoyed a superb start to the year, winning Player of the Match awards in three successive games against Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher PREM and Castres and Edinburgh in the Champions Cup.

And it has earned him a place shortlisted for the prestigious EPCR Player of the Year award after his performances that have had Johann Van Graan purring that he is one of the ‘premier ball carriers in Europe.’

But it didn’t stop Van Graan from effectively pushing him out the door when he completed the signing of fellow South African Dan du Preez from PREM rivals Sale Sharks.

Bath’s statement said: “The club can confirm Alfie barbeary will leave the club at the end of the season. Bringing to a close four years of both on and off-pitch memories, Barbeary departs the club to join Saracens to continue his rugby journey.

“Barbeary joined the club from Wasps in 2022/23, making his Blue, Black and White debut from the bench against Leicester Tigers in March 2023.

“Known for his big character and even bigger hair, the Number 8 has achieved tremendous amounts in Bath colours, seeing him named in all three final squads of Bath’s iconic treble-winning season of 2024/25.

“He is also in contention for the Investec Champions Cup Player of the Season award. The 25-year-old has gone on to represent the club on 60 occasions, winning the hearts of many supporters along the way.

“A much-loved member of the squad, Barbeary will see out the rest of the 2025/26 season in Blue, Black and White.”

Bath fans will bemoan the loss of Barbeary, who will help fill the hole Tom Willis’ impending departure to France will leave at the back of Saracens pack.

“Saracens have always been a top club, and I am looking forward to a new challenge in North London. They have consistently been challenging for silverware, and that is something I am very motivated to help them achieve,” said Barbeary.

Director of Rugby Mark McCall, who is stepping down at the end of the season, is pleased to add the powerful forward to his squad.

“Alfie is a highly talented young player who we are delighted to welcome to the club. His attributes and character will complement and add value to the group, and we are looking forward to him realising his potential in the years ahead.”