Coup completed as Saracens sign Bath fan favourite Alfie Barbeary

Ed - You are a few months behind on this one but I didn’t think it would be Saracens (I actually thought he may be off to Leicester). 🤣

Once I saw we were chasing Dan Du Preez before Christmas, I did think this would be the end of Alfie Barbeary and Jaco Coetzee, as they basically have Du Preez, Arthur Green & Miles Reid playing in the 3 different 8 roles and I actually think they may try playing Ted Hill at 8 (where he played at Worcester) alongside Pepper & Underhill as our starting pack next season.

Alfie is a brilliant ball carrier but he does lack the footballing skills at the back of the scrum and it’s going to get very expensive in these next 4 years during his prime year contracts for a player that is frequently injured.

Great player and I wish him well but the hole will fill over very quickly. It’s actually replacing Thomas Du Toit that worries me.

Not really. Just look at how much he has been injured, how many games he actually plays and then he would be looking for another 50-75% in salary over the next 4 years of his prime year contracts, so whilst I really liked him as a player, Bath have cleared the way for Arthur Green who will be the up and coming 8 over the next few seasons.

They basically have a young 8 (Green) a middle aged 8 (Reid) and an older 8 (DDP), so they are starting to get the salary cycles balanced. They are in a good place for the season ahead.

It gives them a few options Tom.

Option 1 - Hill, Underhill, DDP starting with Pepper & Green off the bench

Option 2 - Pepper, Underhill, DDP (with Hill at lock) with Pepper or Green/Reid on the bench.

It actually gives them two different styles depending on the opposition but they have still got their fair share of depth for the season ahead.

As a Sale fan it should tell you a lot that I’m not all that disappointed he’s off the books. Hit very hard by injury over the past 3 seasons, 31 in August, not having the same impact on the pitch he used to by a long way. Just not as effective as he was during a time when Jean Luc continued to be game after game.

I’d take Barbeary all day, wish it was a swap deal.

I think Arthur Green will be the starter to replace Barbeary in the squad and DDP will replace Coetzee (bench role). I actually think they will have likely dropped Alfie to free up the money for Underhill & Pepper (who would both be significant increases next season.

Bath were right up on the limit, so these are the changes you have to make to manage squad demographics (salaries).

Is this a reply to my comment??

Bath would have likely known Alfie was leaving around November time (after Tom Willis announced the UBB move), which is when they were linked with Dan Du Preez but they also have Arthur Green coming through (who is getting more games) and Miles Reid, whilst also having Ted Hill as an option at 8 if required.

I actually think DDP, Green, Reid & Hill is even stronger than what we had this season. I also expect Coetzee will be leaving also, hence why they needed more cover (DDP).

If they can keep him fit, he will be a great addition at Bath next season.

You're joking mate why would Borthwick pay attention to a dynamic ball carrying 8 who is still improving when he can play loads of 7s out of position and continue with average performances !!