Johann van Graan discuss latest Bath injuries as Alfie Barbeary suffers ‘gutting’ blow

What should have been a jubilant day for Alfie Barbeary and Bath Rugby turned into a potential nightmare for both parties at Welford Road on Saturday when the powerful number eight suffered a fresh injury on his debut.

Barbeary, 22, came off the bench in the 37th minute to make his first Bath appearance in the Blue, Black and White after joining the club in November following the death of Wasps. The backrower has been out since September after suffering a horrific hamstring injury in the second game of the season with Wasps that required surgery.

Barbeary, who replaced South African Jaco Coetzee, who had just recovered from an ankle injury, immediately impressed in the 48-27 loss to the Tigers as he demonstrated his ability to cross the win line and attack gaps. But a powerful carry from the base of a scrum saw Bath number eight take a deep knee hack from Welsh international flanker Tommy Reffell and his left knee appeared to buckle slightly.

The medical team, led by Rory Murray, attempted to treat Barbeary on the pitch by applying harnesses, but as soon as the tall forward attempted to run for his injured limb, he let out a cry of pain and was found dead after just 10 minutes pitch withdrawn.

Van Graan said: “In the first moments backwards he did some powerful carries and then it was a crazy collision. Alfie looked like the player we brought to Bath specifically to dominate collisions and get us over the advantage line.

“You could see his reaction [to coming off]he was so gutted.

“I don’t want to speculate, but it doesn’t look good.

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