Barkley to miss England's NZ Test

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/6057878.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Bath and England star Olly Barkley will miss the first autumn Test against New Zealand after fracturing a bone in his right hand against Saracens on Sunday.

Centre Barkley, 24, who missed Bath's last two matches with a groin injury, could be out for a month.

"He is a key member of the squad and we wish him a quick recovery," said England coach Andy Robinson.

"It's unfortunate for Olly, especially after he missed last season's Six Nations with a dislocated thumb."

Barkley's absence, along with Harlequins' Stuart Abbott who has a knee injury, could make way for Newcastle duo Jamie Noon and Mathew Tait in England's midfield.

England's autumn opener is against New Zealand at Twickenham on 5 November.

Robinson's side then play Argentina on 11 November and South Africa on 18 and 25 November.