Meehan puzzled by Barkley’s omission

Bath boss Steve Meehan has expressed his surprise at Olly Barkley's continued exclusion from Six Nations duty with England. [more]

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Bath boss Steve Meehan has expressed his surprise at Olly Barkley’s continued exclusion from Six Nations duty with England.

While in-form Gloucester wing James Simpson-Daniel has been rewarded with a training squad call-up, Barkley remains on the outside despite steering Bath to a first victory on Bristol soil since 1998 on Sunday.

Simpson-Daniel reported for duty on Sunday night as part of a 31-man group preparing in Bath ahead of next Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland at Murrayfield.

The 25-year-old’s presence will fuel speculation about a role for him in Edinburgh, where England need a victory to keep alive their Six Nations title hopes.

Simpson-Daniel won the last of his 10 caps on tour in South Africa last summer, scoring a try off the bench during England’s first Test defeat in Bloemfontein.

Barkley though, excluded from the Six Nations equation in January due to an ongoing court case, continues to be overlooked.

Meehan said: "I was surprised Olly wasn’t named in the international squad right from the off, but those are decisions for the England management.

"If it was down to me, I would have picked him.

"I have expressed my views to Brian (England head coach Brian Ashton).

"If I was in his position, it wouldn’t be the only spot I would change, but he is doing quite well.

"Olly has kept delivering for us – his performances have not dropped off at any stage."
Barkley’s contribution – a 14-point haul – helped Bath see off west country rivals Bristol 19-9 at Ashton Gate and consolidate third spot, three points behind leaders Gloucester with a game in hand.

Barkley will join Gloucester this summer, but clearly not before doing his utmost to help Bath chase a first league title since 1996.

Reacting to his England call-up, Simpson-Daniel said: "It is a bit strange considering I’m on a bit of a rugby hangover after our result against Harlequins on Saturday.

"But obviously, getting an opportunity to be involved with the national squad is fantastic.

"I know I just have to knuckle down in the next few days and just do the best I can, which is what I have been doing for Gloucester."

Bristol head coach Richard Hill, meanwhile, hailed Bath as "the best team in the country" after a game his team were fortunate to lose by only 10 points.

Hill said: "Bath won the vast majority of territory and possession – they were the better side right from the kick-off.

"The physicality of the Bath forwards was impressive. They were difficult to stop, and they have got some big men who got in behind us."

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