Former Tipperary hurling star Nicky English has decided to change teams, leaving AIB to join Barclays Wealth Management.

English has spent 22 years with AIB Investment Managers but has agreed to take on the role of division director heading the investment advisory business for Barclays Wealth here.

AIBIM, of course, is currently on the blocks.

English, who is a GAA columnist with The Irish Timesand who won All-Ireland hurling titles as both player and manager with Tipp, will start lining out for Barclays from September.

“We’re delighted Nicky is coming on board,” Pat McCormack, who also hails for Tipperary and who heads Barclays Wealth here, told me this week.

“He’s a high calibre professional with a strong investment background.”

Barclays Wealth set up in Ireland in 2008 and McCormack said it is generating significant levels of business here as private clients look to invest their money outside Ireland.

“There’s still significant wealth in Ireland and those people are looking for security for their investments.”

Overall, Barclays has about 100 staff based in Ireland. “We will be expanding further...we think there’s a great opportunity here.”