Kevin Barrett (rugby union, born 1966)

Kevin Barrett
Full nameKevin Edward Barrett
Date of birth (1966-02-26) 26 February 1966 (age 58)
Height194 cm (6 ft 4 in)
Weight106 kg (234 lb)
SchoolFrancis Douglas College
Notable relative(s)Beauden Barrett (son)
Jordie Barrett (son)
Kane Barrett (son)
Scott Barrett (son)
Occupation(s)Farmer
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker / Lock
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1986–99 Taranaki 167 (99)
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
1997–98 Hurricanes 14 (0)

Kevin Edward Barrett (born 26 February 1966) is a New Zealand former professional rugby union player.[1]

Biography

Raised on the family farm in Pungarehu, Barrett was educated at Francis Douglas College in New Plymouth, which he left in fifth form to work on the farm.[2] He played 167 games as a forward for Taranaki between 1986 and 1999.[3] His nickname "Smiley" was coined at Taranaki from the faint smile he had during the physical on field battles.[4]

Barrett joined the Hurricanes as injury cover in 1997 and made four appearances that season, including as a flanker in their semi-final loss to the Brumbies. In 1998, Barrett was used as a lock and played 10 Super 12 games.[5]

Finishing up in New Zealand rugby in 1999, Barrett moved to County Meath, Ireland, the following year to manage a farm and he played rugby for Athlone-based club Buccaneers during the 2000–01 season.[2]

Barrett once stated "I’m off to breed some All Blacks" when asked in a match programme what he would like to do in the future.[4]

Family

Barrett raised five sons and three daughters with wife Robyn.[6] Four of his sons have played professional rugby, eldest Kane retired early due to concussion, while Beauden, Jordie and Scott all became All Blacks.[7]

References

  1. ^ "Smiling about his boys: Kevin Barrett". Radio New Zealand. 28 October 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Father of All Blacks' Barrett clan has plenty to smile about". The Irish Times. 1 July 2017.
  3. ^ "Kevin Edward Barrett". New Zealand Rugby History.
  4. ^ a b Cleary, Mick (21 June 2017). "Proud dad Kevin 'Smiley' Barrett on creating his All Black dynasty". The Daily Telegraph.
  5. ^ "Kevin Barrett - Hurricanes". www.hurricanes.co.nz.
  6. ^ "Perfect storm behind Barrett brothers". NZ Herald. 11 June 2017.
  7. ^ "Oh brother! A fourth Barrett could have made All Blacks". France 24. 4 September 2023.