Alfie Barbeary: ‘I try not to think about England … it gets in my head and I don’t play well’

Alfie Barbeary, a 25-year-old uncapped English No 8 playing for Bath, has been shortlisted for the Champions Cup player of the year award alongside established stars Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Finn Russell, Matthieu Jalibert, and Caelan Doris. Barbeary is set to face Bordeaux Bègles in their title defence at the Stade Atlantique on Sunday. Despite his European recognition, Barbeary admits he deliberately avoids thinking about England call-ups, saying it negatively affects his club performances.