Berrick Barnes will be fit to start the 2010 Super 14 season after receiving positive news on the ankle injury that has ruled him out of Australia's Grand Slam tour of Britain and Ireland.

The Wallabies vice-captain will not require surgery after injuring an ankle in training before the 32-19 defeat to New Zealand in Tokyo on Saturday.

It had been feared Barnes would be sidelined for several months, however, he is now expected to be fit to begin pre-season training later this year or early in the new year.

"There's no reason why I shouldn't be right for the start of the Super 14 season," Barnes said.

"It is good news that I don't need surgery and it's a matter now of working hard on the rehab."