Olly Barkley forgot what it’s like to be recognized among non-rugby union fans, among people outside of Bath. It’s been quite a long time since he’s played for England, but he never got this kind of recognition life after he tackled an invading fan onto the pitch during Bath’s loss to Sale in the Aviva Premiership.

The fan that burst onto the field was in quite a clever disguise of a woman. Well not so clever, being such a big bloke and wearing a wig, but maybe that is what made players go on about their game and let him be. Well, not Barkley, who shocked by all the attention he got after the match for tackling the fan who was later carried off he field.

Image: Source

Barkley tweeted after the match – Judging by the reaction 2 tackling a drunk girl on Friday night, I may have to consider having it on my epitaph. My Grandad would b so proud. The tackle wasn’t even caught by TV cameras, who usually don’t pay attention to pitch invaders in fear that it may encourage more to do a similar deed. Luckily, fans in the stand don’t miss anything with their cameras and phones.

On the sadder news of the night, Barkley’s team lost to Sale 16-9, putting them further away from securing one of the top 6 spots in the Premiership, promising a Heineken Cup birth in the 2012-2013 season.