Oliver Barkley will always be known as the first player to win a full England cap without having played a game at senior club level. It happened during England’s summer tour to North America in 2001 when, having been called back from a stint with the Kiwi Marist club in Christchurch for the tour, he came on as second half replacement in the 48-19 win against the US Eagles. He became a regular part of the senior England squad during the 2004 RBS 6 Nations where he came off the bench during the Italy and Ireland games but it was the Wales game at Twickenham when he really made his mark and his debut in the starting line up. With 24 hours notice he replaced an injured Paul Grayson and earned 16 points.

History repeated itself against France when Grayson’s injury returned and Olly started at the Stade de France. Again he delivered under pressure, impressing Clive Woodward.
Born in London but brought up in Cornwall, he attended Wadebridge Comprehensive and played for Wadebridge Camels before going on to Bristol-based Colston’s Collegiate where he played in two successive Daily Mail U18 Schools Cup winning sides in 1999 and 2000 (as captain). He was hugely instrumental in helping Bath top the 2003/04 Zurich Premiership.