“It was aggravating that it had gone on so long,” said Barkley.  “There was no more evidence on Tuesday than there had been six months ago, so it was a shame it had to go to Court and waste so many people’s time.”

Having such a close family, Barkley feels that his family probably felt the brunt of the ordeal more than he did, as he was able to focus his mind on playing good rugby at Bath.  “It was very hard on my mum particularly. She was constantly being asked how my case was going – so I am really happy for her that she can now get on with her life as well.

“It was so nice to hear my family’s voices on the phone yesterday – they were happier than I am.  It was fantastic.  I have never had such a feeling of elation.”

However much Barkley has contested his innocence, and now been proven innocent, the ordeal has still taught him a great deal, and now he can put his boots back on for Bath on Saturday without that extra pressure on his mind.  “I have been working hard the whole season, but now I have a much lighter feeling under my heels.  I have of course enjoyed it, but it has made things much harder.”

The 26 year old is also hugely appreciative to all the people who stood by him and supported him throughout, including the fans.  “To those supporters who stood by me,” he said, “thank you very much.  It has been a big lesson and a long journey, but I feel a better person having come through it.

“My solicitor, Richard Mallett has been huge for me.  He has been a real rock and I cannot say enough good stuff about him.  Richard Wilks my agent has also been there for me – as he went to Court with me and the RFU Press Officer, Dave Barton has been a legend, and was really good throughout the World Cup.”

Now it is time to fire on all cylinders, to ensure that Bath can get that much-desired silverware and Olly gets back into the England squad. 

“We (Bath) have been in these positions before and not won, but I think the difference this year is that we have a stronger belief in ourselves and genuinely believe we can win big games now.

“I have been chatting to Steve Borthwick and there is nothing that we want more than to turn up at Twickenham for the Guinness Premiership finals, with the title at the end and know that we have done as much as we could to bring it home.  It has been a great ten years for us, so to get something at the end would be really nice.”

And now, England?  “It is great to know that I am now under consideration as it was a grey area before.  It would be so good to win some silverware for Bath and then, if I can get to New Zealand, that would be awesome!”