If you’re a rugby fan, there’s no doubt that you know Beauden Barrett. He is a native New Zealander and easily one of the most talented and recognisable rugby players in the world. Throughout his 13-year career, the Kiwi has established himself as a true rugby star at the highest levels of the sport, both domestically and internationally. From his early years growing up in a rugby family to his incredible performances on the pitch with Taranaki, the Hurricanes, the Blues, and Suntory Sungoliath, Barrett’s story is one of dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent.
Barrett has proved to be a consistently successful player, winning the World Rugby Player of the Year award in back-to-back years in 2016 and 2017. He’s also one of the most popular players, with nearly 700,000 followers on his Instagram.
Early Years and Family
Barrett was born on the 27th of May, 1991, in New Plymouth, New Zealand. He grew up in a family of rugby lovers, with his brothers Kane, Scott, and Jordie all going on to play rugby at a professional level. From a young age, Barrett was totally immersed in the sport and began to develop a deep passion for it.
Barrett attended Francis Douglas Memorial College, a high school in New Plymouth, where he continued to develop his rugby skills. He played for the school’s first XV team and was soon noticed by scouts from the Taranaki Rugby Union.
Barrett’s Rugby Career
Barrett made his professional rugby debut for Taranaki in 2010, when he was only 19 years old. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s most promising young talents. To hammer this home, he was named the most promising player of the year after his debut season.
At 20 years old, Barrett began what would prove to be a very successful career in Super Rugby. He signed with the Hurricanes in 2011 and played a key role in the team’s championship title run in 2016. Barrett is the Hurricanes’ all-time top scorer, scoring 1,238 points from 2011-2019.
After the 2019 seasoned, he signed with the Auckland-based Blues, where he has continued to impress with his performances on the pitch.
Barrett made his first appearance on rugby’s international stage with the New Zealand All Blacks in 2012 and has been a key player for the team ever since. During his tenure with the All Blacks, New Zealand have won the Rugby Championship every year except 2015 and 2019.
Barrett played an invaluable role in the All Blacks’ 2015 Rugby World Cup victory, scoring three tries in the tournament and playing a vital part in the team’s dominant performance throughout the competition.
Barrett’s play focuses on his exceptional speed, agility, and ability to read the game. He is also a highly skilled kicker, capable of slotting goals from long range and converting difficult angles. Barrett’s versatility has been a key asset in his career, as he is capable of playing multiple positions, including fullback, fly-half, and centre.
Off the Pitch
Barrett is not only known for his talent on the pitch, but also for his friendly off-field persona. He is known for his approachable demeanour, and he is often seen interacting positively with his fans. He is also known for giving back to his community and has been involved with several charitable organisations.
One such organization is UpsideDowns, a charity focused on giving children with Down syndrome educational opportunities. This charity is particularly close to Barrett’s heart, as his sister Zara was born with Down syndrome.
Barrett is married to Hannah Laity, and the couple have two children together. Barrett’s family have a strong love of the outdoors, and they often post photos on social media of their adventures hiking, fishing, and exploring New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes.
Conclusion
Beauden Barrett is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and talented rugby players in the world. From his early years growing up in a rugby family to his memorable performances on the pitch, Barrett has established himself as a powerful and intimidating presence in the sport. He has also established himself as a star on the international rugby stage, and he continues to inspire fans around the world with his great play on the field, as well as his friendly and approachable demeanour off the field. With plenty of rugby still ahead of him, Barrett will continue to be a force on the pitch.
