Exiles sign Barkley

London Welsh have announced the signing of fly-half Olly Barkley for their return to the Aviva Premiership next season.

Former England stand-off Barkley, who spent seven seasons at Bath before switching to Gloucester ahead of a return to the Rec, has also played in the French Top 14 for Racing Metro and Grenoble.

The 32-year-old most recently played for RaboDirect PRO12 side the Scarlets on a four-month contract until the end of last season.

Barkley said: "I'm really looking forward to being part of what looks to be a great coaching team and a talented group of players for London Welsh's return back to where they should be in the Aviva Premiership.

"There looks to be a spirit amongst the group that I can't wait to be involved with and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in to the challenge of the Premiership with them all, and helping the club further establish itself at the Kassam Stadium and in Oxford."

Welsh gained promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking following a 48-28 aggregate final win over Bristol.

London Welsh head coach Justin Burnell added: "Olly has a wealth of experience, both at club and international level, and he's exactly the type of player we're looking for.

"He's got a fantastic game understanding and his other biggest strong point is his accuracy with the ball. His goal kicking is phenomenal and we'll need that in the Aviva Premiership."