​Olly Barkley's season is over after he suffered a double fracture to the same leg he broke a year-and-a-half ago.

The Bath Rugby inside centre hit the ground in the 67th minute of Saturday's clash with Gloucester after his own team-mate, Butch James, fell onto his left leg awkwardly.

He recieved nitrous oxide - laughing gas - on the pitch before being stretchered off.

Gloucester fans applauded as Barkley was carried off, with some even giving a standing ovation. The 29-year-old had a single season at Kingsholm in 2008-09. 

Bath confirmed this morning that Barkley had fractured both his lower tibia and fibular and underwent surgery in Gloucester on Saturday night.

Barkley broke his left fibula in pre-season training in July 2009. His return to action last term was hampered by complications affecting his ankle.

Director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan said: "It is obviously very disappointing for Olly to suffer an injury of this nature, especially as he had been playing so well recently and at such an important part of the season.

"It is doubly disappointing for Olly and the club as he also missed much of last season with a bad leg injury. We will of course make sure he receives the best possible medical attention to get him back on the field as and when he is ready."

Barkley used his Twitter account to thank those who had wished him well in his recovery.

He tweeted: "For those that have asked I clean broke my tibia and fibula and had a rod with a few screws put through my tib to secure it. Fib will heal.

"Have honestly been moved by everyones support and wishes. Thank-you all."

Gloucester wing Tom Voyce, who was close to the action when Barkley suffered the break, said: "By the sounds of it, it wasn't good.

"You never want to see something like that. Hopefully it will be a speedy recovery."

Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath added: "I hope Olly is alright because he's a good bloke who's had his ups and downs."