Fans’ favourite Alfie Barbeary will leave Bath Rugby at the end of the campaign.
Alfie Barbeary earned cult status among Bath Rugby fans when he stripped down to his swimming trunks for the club’s victory parade around the city centre last June | Photo © Richard Briggs
He will join their Gallagher PREM rivals Saracens – and he is aiming to lead the North London outfit to trophy success.
Barbeary’s departure from The Rec is sure to sadden a lot of Bath followers.
Indeed within minutes of his impending exit being announced, social media was awash with positive comments about him.
“Absolute legend”, “he’s going to be very hard to replace”, “such immense talent” and “you’ve been an amazing player and person for Bath Rugby” were just some of the comments on the Blue, Black & White’s official Facebook page. And there were numerous uses of the word “gutted” by disappointed fans.
The Banbury-born number 8 was named official man of the match on three successive occasions in January – for his efforts against Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher PREM and against both Castres Olympique and Edinburgh Rugby in the Investec Champions Cup.
But he earned cult status among Blue, Black & White supporters for stripping down to his swimming trunks during the victory parade around Bath city centre last June following the club’s glorious 2024-25 season during which they won three trophies.
A statement from Bath on Monday 9th March 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 & 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.”
Of his impending move to the capital, Barbeary – who played for England A in 2024 – said: “Saracens have always been a top club and I’m looking forward to a new challenge in North London.
“They’ve consistently been challenging for silverware – and that’s something I’m very motivated to help them achieve.”
Mark McCall, Saracens’ director of rugby, said: “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’re looking forward to him realising his potential in the years ahead.”
Saracens will provide the opposition in Bath’s next competitive match – at The Rec in the PREM on Friday 20th March.
And the men from the StoneX Stadium will be back in Somerset on Saturday 4th April in the Champions Cup Round of 16.
