Barker determined to hit the heights at Bristol

Paul Rees talks to Steele Barker, a young player who was once told he was too small to make it in the second row

- Paul Rees

WHEN Steele Barker was told by Yorkshire Carnegie that he was too small for a second row forward and released from their academy, he never thought about turning his back on a game he had played since he was four.

Then 18, Barker decided to study for a degree and found the course he was looking for at the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus – he may be able to use the qualification he left with in rugby after his playing days as it was in sustainable business.

Barker played a season with Penryn and was then picked up by Redruth in National 2. He had two years there, the first of which was affected by the pandemic, before Cornish Pirates offered him a contract.

The path from Cornwall usually leads to Exeter, but it was Bristol who pounced for Barker after being impressed with his performances in the Championship and, in particular, his lineout prowess.

“Going to university in Penryn had nothing to do with rugby,” said Barker, right. “I liked the look of the course. Being let go by Carnegie was disappointing but it was not going to stop me playing rugby.