Barrett gunning for Leeds

KEVIN Barrett says he has returned from England sevens duty rejuvenated in time for Saturday's vital match at Leeds.

The Exeter Chiefs scrum-half missed three games while he was away with his country, but played the last 22 minutes off the bench of Saturday's 12-12 draw with Esher. Despite not being able to inspire the Sandy Park outfit to a win against their part-time visitors, Barrett looked sharp and full of ideas.

With the crucial trip to the unbeaten league leaders this weekend, Barrett hopes he can play his part.

And his team were yesterday handed a home tie with Preston Grasshoppers in the EDF Energy National Trophy fourth round.

The Chiefs need to win at Leeds to avoid falling further behind in the title race, with the Yorkshire outfit already five points clear.

But Exeter have not lost since Leeds won at Sandy Park in early September and have taken 38 points from a possible 40 on the road this season.

"On a personal note I feel re-energised having been away for a little bit," said Barrett.

"It's great that the Chiefs have done so well leading up to the Leeds game.

"It depends on selection, but obviously I'd love to be involved in that game in some capacity."

Barrett, one of the Chiefs' stand-out performers so far this term, helped England reach the final of the sevens tournament in Dubai and win the plate a week later in South Africa.

The Springboks ended England's hopes in the main cup competition at both tournaments and lead the way with a maximum 40-point haul.

England sit third on 24, level with Fiji and four behind defending champions New Zealand.

Barrett is now hoping to be involved in the next tournaments in Wellington and San Diego in February.

He said the key to success is keeping the same core of players together.

"There's something to build on there," said Barrett of England's start. "Later on in the year, as long as we can keep getting points from every tournament, we can do well.

"Hong Kong is worth double points so there's a real opportunity to climb up the table a bit further."

He added: "One of the keys in the success we're having now is the continuity in selection.

"For example last year and the year before there was a lot of changes for every tournament.

"It's very difficult to get your patterns going and that's always going to have an impact on your performances.

"I think they're trying to stick to more of a settled squad now and it shows that results will take care of themselves after that."

Barrett and his colleagues will face mid-table National League 3 North outfit Preston in the National Trophy at Sandy Park on January 17.

It will be the first time the clubs have met since league rugby began in 1987.

The all-National League 1 ties see Rotherham host Coventry, Plymouth Albion travel to Doncaster and London Welsh at home to Newbury.

EDF Energy National Trophy, round four: Tynedale v Bedford, Dings Crusaders v Leeds, Broadstreet v Rugby Lions or Bridgwater, Cinderford v Hull Ionians, Sedgley Park v Kendal, Cornish Pirates v Southend, Rotherham v Coventry, Moseley v Henley, Exeter v Preston Grasshoppers, Manchester v London Scottish or Basingstoke, Otley v Cambridge, Nottingham v Blaydon, Wharfedale or Launceston v Birmingham & Solihull, Doncaster v Plymouth Albion, London Welsh v Newbury, Mount's Bay v Esher