Kevin Barrett (rugby union, born 1966)

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

Kevin Barrett

Full name	Kevin Edward Barrett
Date of birth	(1966-02-26) 26 February 1966 (age 58)
Height	194 cm (6 ft 4 in)
Weight	106 kg (234 lb)
School	Francis 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)

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]