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Bath have re-signed Olly Barkley on a two-year deal less than 12 months after the England back left left to join Guinness Premiership rivals Gloucester.

The 27-year-old (pictured), who made his Bath debut in 2001, joined Gloucester last summer but has decided to return to The Rec because that is where his "heart is".

"When I first decided to leave Bath and go to Gloucester, I was looking for a new challenge. Gloucester certainly offered me the chance to do that and I am grateful to them for that opportunity," said Barkley.

"However, I have come to realise over this past season that Bath is really where my heart is and I feel that whilst I gave it my best shot at Gloucester, it is right, for me personally, to return to Bath."

Barkley has played 29 times for Gloucester in a season that saw a late meltdown for the club with a heavy loss in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and failure to reach the Premiership play-offs.

Dean Ryan's side were thumped 50-12 by Cardiff Blues at Twickenham and also went down in their last four league outings as they finished the season in sixth spot.

Centre-cum-fly-half Barkley is aware that he will not be an automatic selection when he returns to The Rec.

League convert Shontayne Hape has been one of Bath's best performers this season from inside centre, although World Cup winning fly-half Butch James is out with a knee injury until the start of next year.

Bath have had problems with their kicking on goal this season and Barkley's return will go some way to addressing that.

"I know that I will not be able to walk back in and be handed back my shirt straightaway," admitted Barkley.

"But, I am excited about challenging for it again and getting back playing in the style that I think suits me best."

Barkley's move to Kingsholm did not further his England involvement. He won the last of his 23 caps on England's tour to New Zealand last summer but failed played no part in the autumn series or Six Nations.

"Bath has moved on a little over the last 12 months and Olly will have to adjust to that, but I am looking forward to seeing him return to take up that challenge," said Bath coach Steve Meehan.

"When he achieves that, the England selectors will be thinking of him again and the team and Bath's supporters will all benefit."

Former England wing Iain Balshaw will also be leaving Kingsholm after announcing he had signed a two-year deal with French Top 14 club Biarritz.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport