RFTG Susie V talks to Olly Barkley following Bath's evening match against Northampton Saints

1) Ok so let's firstly talk about last night's match, did you feel any more confident knowing that many of the first team players were being rested?

To be honest we knew whoever we played, it would be a really good squad and pretty competitive. We knew that they were going to give 130% because it's their opportunity to make a claim for the jersey. So, no, we knew whatever happened we weren't going to be disappointed.

2) Kicking-wise, it was a bit of a man on man match last night with Shane Geraghty. How do you feel you managed to come out on top?

 I wouldn't like to say I came out on top really, he kicked just as well, was always looking for holes and had a good game. He was just as good.

3) Obviously it's been in the news recently about Bruce Craig taking over ownership of Bath, how do you feel this will affect the club?

Oh it's going to have a massive impact definately, it's going to bring everyone closer for one thing. At the moment we're divided because admin are in a different place to the playing side of the club so it's going to cut down on travelling time and make a huge difference. Just for the pure fact that it's this amazing, West County manor house means it's going to be great!

4) Aside from injuries, how do you feel the transition from Gloucester back to Bath went?

 I was very lucky, I left on really good terms and there were certainly no bridges burnt. I made some great friends, but it just wasn't for me. I was living in Bath, but training with Gloucester so except for breaking my leg in week 4/5, it's been fine really.   

5) Are you still happy that you chose to move to a different club?

I'm very glad I decided to give a new club a go. They're lovely people and I've made some great friends who I'll continue to talk to and who I've got great respect for.        

6) Now you're back at Bath do you feel there's more scope for players to be more vocal and more involved in decision making?

Yeah definately. The way that Steven and the coaches are means that we're really encouraged to go out and make our own decisions and have much more of an input.

7)  Looking back, do you wish you'd been able to just stick to one position rather than moving from full-back to inside-centre and vice versa?

Well I suppose it might have helped me settle into position more, but I think it's actually meant I've gathered some useful skills. It was definately a steep leaning curve but I'm not one to regret things so it doesn't bother me that much!

8)  How have you found playing with Shontayne Hape? Do you think your partnership is a possible choice for England?

I'd like to think so, but the coaches have their own thoughts and opinions and to be honest I don't know what they are. Shontayne's a great player, he offloads well, he's strong and direct. So, yeah I think maybe it could be a possibility, we'll see.

9) It's been reported that you really like Butch James' style of play, what aspects do you particularly like?

Well he always plays early balls, he's got a great kicking game, he's especially good at long kicking which is good. He really takes the pressure off me because obviously my game's all about kicking. He's just really relaxed and calm, he's pretty much almost horizontal! He's actually very similar off pitch to how he is on pitch.

10) Who's the most influential player you've played against or with?

The most influential player would probably be Danny Grewcock. He makes a massive difference to the game, not in an aggressive way or anything but beforehand he really helps to prepare everyone and gets us all in a good mindset. It's great knowing that he's going out there with you.

11) Meehan recently stated that he believes you could be in with a strong chance of being chosen to go to Australia with the England squad this summer. Judging by other inside centres, what do you think your chances are?

To be honest I've not really watched a huge amount of rugby this year, I've been concentrating more on our squad. Obviously the coaches have all got one eye on the world cup but I don't know what they're looking for exactly. I would obviously love to get back in there though.

12) With regards to Bath's recent signings from Leicester, it's been previously stated that they've got a so-called 'winning mentality'. Do you think their arrival will have a big effect on the squad?

Oh definately, they'll have a massive impact. Vesty's obviously incredibly versatile and has got so much invaluable experience and Lewis, well....he just speaks for himself really! I reckon they'll definately bring a positive, winning mindset with them.

13) You've been mentioned in the press a lot more recently due to the return to rugby following your injury, your involvement with charities etc. What else do you like to do when you're not busy with these?

Well I've been DJ-ing for about a year, so I try to play on my decks every day if possible.Although it does mean I spend ages standing up so I do try and keep that to a minimum! Other than that I just muck about with mates really, go out to eat sushi, that sort of thing.

14) It's been reported in the press very recently about your work with NACOA (National Association for Children of Alchoholics) and numerous reasons have been given for you becoming involved such as doing something worthwhile whilst injured, the fact alchoholism featured in your own family. What would you say was your main reason for becoming involved?

I'd wanted to become involved with charity work for some time because for ages it's all been take, take, take and I wanted to give something back. That also tied in with the fact that I'd seen many children's rugby camps over the years that were just really poor and I was really interested in organising something where children would have the same sort of experience that we do as professional rugby players. So I wanted to make sure they received professional training, the right sort of food, that kind of thing. The reason I was so keen to give half of the proceeds (the other half is going to children affected by the earthquake in Haiti) to NACOA is that it's not a very well-known organisation, or very well funded and I knew it would make such a difference. Also, a member of my family died as a result of liver failure so I feel I'm really able to relate to people's experiences and it really is something that's close to my heart.It was great going to Bristol and seeing how grateful and almost overwhelmed they all were.

15) Lastly, if you hadn't become a professional rugby player, what career would you have chosen?

Well if I was lucky, a DJ I think. They get to travel to some great places like Goa, Ibiza and spend 3 or 4 hours just making people happy. I just think it would be really special.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS:

Favourite Film: Starwars.

Favourite Book: The Da Vinci Code.

Favourite Holiday Destination: Thailand.

Favourite Food: Thai.

Favourite Rugby Player: Carlos Spencer, back in his prime playing for Auckland. I got to play with him recently and it was amazing.

Nights in/Nights out? Nights out.

Cats/Dogs? Dogs.

Blondes/Brunettes? Brunettes.

Early mornings/Late nights? Late nights.

Cardio/Weights? Cardio.

THANKS OLLY FROM ALL AT RFTG

Make sure to keep up with everything going on with Olly from his own website - click here

Also, for more info on Olly's chosen charity - NACOA - click here..