INTERVIEW: Alfie Barbeary is a ‘different’ kind of rugby player – flying high with ambitious Bath and full of ambition to break into Steve Borthwick’s England squad

Asked to describe himself in three words while wearing a trendy fleece and cap and sporting a dainty mustache and a pair of earrings, Alfie Barbeary's answer isn't much of a surprise.

'A few words come to mind that I can't say! I would say I have a character, different and cheerful,” says Barbeary – who is scoring highly at ambitious Bath this season – with a smile.

'I've always liked to do different things with my hair. When I was younger, I let it all grow out. I used to have boots that were as bright as anything so my mother could see when I was playing. When I first started playing (professionally) I thought I'd better go in modestly with black boots, but my mom said she couldn't see me so I'd do some crazy things with my hair, in good and bad. Some of the haircuts were terrible. My mother is still a hairdresser. But I won't let her touch mine.”

And what was the mother's opinion about the earrings?

“She wasn't too happy, I can tell you that!” Barbeary responds.

Bath Rugby's Alfie Barbeary describes himself as a 'character' – and 'different and fun'

In the midst of a strong season for Bath, Barbeary is one of England's brightest talents

Barbeary is fully focused on playing No.8 after starring as a hooker under Eddie Jones

He will hope to let his rugby – not his fashion – do the talking on Saturday when Bath begin their Champions Cup campaign at home to Ulster. England head coach Steve Borthwick will be in the audience.

Since being welcomed into the England camp as a young rookie by Borthwick's predecessor Eddie Jones, Barbeary, now 23, has been regarded as one of the country's top prospects.

His last 18 months were blighted by the demise of his boyhood Wasps and hamstring and knee injuries.

Those problems are now behind him and he is impressing after joining Bath. Barbeary has also come to understand that post-match nights out are not optimal for recovery and that he must battle his aversion to gym work to stay fully fit.

'I can not do it. My body is in pieces after a game,” he says of throwing away the beer. 'You have to take care of yourself to stay on the field. I would love to be there, but unfortunately I just don't have it in me anymore! I've never been the biggest fan of the gym, but as much as I enjoy rugby, I have to work hard on the other things. A bit of maturity is starting to emerge.

'That probably wasn't the case in previous years. When you are young, you have no fear. You either come out a hero or you don't, and I wasn't afraid.

“I just went outside to play and see what happened.”

Barbeary, a product of Banbury Rugby Club, is now fully focused on playing No.8 after Jones wanted him to focus on hooker. If he continues as he is, a Six Nations call-up from Borthwick next month looks likely.

Bath, led by number 10 Finn Russell but with a powerful pack, are second in the Premier League and enter Europe.

Barbeary has played for the England youth sides but has yet to win a senior cap for his country

But the former Wasps player hopes to hear from Steve Borthwick ahead of the Six Nations selections next month

Barbeary – who scored a hat-trick on his Premiership debut with Wasps – has played for the England age group teams but is yet to win a senior cap. He has had recent discussions with Borthwick.

'There are ambitions to play for England. It has been a childhood dream of mine,” he says. 'We had a short conversation. I need to enter the gigs to select.

'I have to concentrate on playing every week, building up minutes and gaining confidence. I was out for a while and I'm about to get back into shape. That long time outside really affected me.

'We are of course very enthusiastic about our presence in Europe. Everyone loves this competition. We have confidence in ourselves and our team. We know we are a tough team to beat.”