Bath Rugby delivered a commanding performance to defeat Bristol Bears 49-19 at Ashton Gate on Friday night in the third round of the 2025/26 PREM Rugby Cup. However, the victory was overshadowed by a serious injury to key number eight Alfie Barbeary, who was forced off the pitch in the first half after suffering a leg injury.
Barbeary, one of the few Bath first-team regulars in the matchday squad, had impressed with a sharp defensive interception followed by a powerful 35-meter run before being tackled from behind. The 25-year-old limped off the field in the 28th minute, visibly distressed and supported by the team’s medical staff. His evident frustration was clear as he struck the turf while receiving treatment.
This injury comes at a difficult time, as Barbeary has struggled with multiple setbacks in recent seasons, including serious hamstring and knee injuries leading to long rehabilitation periods. Bath Rugby confirmed that the extent of the injury was still under assessment. The timing is particularly unfortunate as the squad is already without Jaco Coetzee, sidelined by a knee injury expected to keep him out until the new year.
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While Bath boasts depth in their back-row unit—with players like Miles Reid and Arthur Green capable of stepping into the number eight role—Barbeary remains the preferred option in high-stakes matches due to his dynamic ball-carrying and physicality.
Post-match, interim Bath coach Ryan Davis said: “They are still trying to assess him. He obviously had to come off. I am not sure what limb it was, or if it was a hamstring injury. I don’t want to confirm anything until we know more.”
Despite the injury concerns, Bath showcased clinical rugby to score seven tries in total. Hooker Kepu Tuipulotu and winger Charlie Griffin both claimed doubles, with additional tries from Billy Sela, Arthur Green, and Will Butt. Tom de Glanville, deputising at fly-half, contributed by converting all seven goals. Bristol Bears managed two tries through hooker Tomas Gwilliam from driving mauls, plus a score from debutant Ellis Bevan.
With no fixtures scheduled next weekend, Bath will use the upcoming break to regroup before resuming training and preparing to face Gloucester in the PREM Rugby Cup on November 14.