My brothers star for New Zealand and one was world’s best player but I’m in the UK making my way in a different sport

2 months ago 21

THE Barrett name is an instantly recognisable dynasty in world rugby – if not arguably the most talented family in world sport.

But while three of the brothers start for the All-Blacks, fourth son Blake Barrett plays VILLAGE CRICKET in Oxford, England.

//www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=5002834656433239&set=a.554484417934974Blake Barrett is the second youngest of the five Barrett brothers
//www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1498728396843900&set=ecnf.100001202626636Blake has temporarily ditched rugby to play village cricket in Oxford
 Jordie Barrett of New Zealand celebrates with brother Beauden Barrett after scoring a try during the International test Match in the series between the New Zealand All Blacks and Ireland at Eden Park on July 02, 2022 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)Jordie Barrett (left) and his brother Beauden Barrett star for the All-Blacks
 Scott Barrett of the New Zealand All Blacks celebrates with the Bledisloe Cup after winning The Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup match between Australia Wallabies and New Zealand All Blacks at Accor Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)While Scott Barrett was named captain of the New Zealand in June

In an interview the Telegraph, Blake revealed that he plays sport at Harpsden Cricket Club in Henley-on-Thames.

But older brother Scott, 30, captains New Zealand’s rugby team, while youngest Jordie, 27, hails as a joint vice-captain with Ardie Savea.

And fly-half Beauden Barrett is two-time World Rugby Player of the Year.

Beauden, 33, is the fourth most capped Kiwi international with 130 appearances – 33 more than arguably the greatest ever No10 Dan Carter.

The trio of sibling All Blacks have 247 caps between them and most recently beat Australia 31-28 on Saturday.

But Blake – who himself has more than 100 caps for Coastal Rugby Club in Taranaki, New Zealand – enjoys playing village cricket over 11,658 miles away from his beloved superstar brothers.

Harpsden chairman Ben Hancock told the Telegraph: “Blake got stuck in and embraced the spirit of the club brilliantly.”

He even helps out behind the bar with girlfriend Emily and ventures to Henley cocktail bar Magoos once in a while.

Barrett brothersJordie, Beauden and Scott Barrett won the All Blacks’ Australian tour in 2020

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It took a few weeks for Barrett’s Harpsden team-mates to cotton on to the sporting royalty they had in their midst.

Barrett said: “I think Micky Molloy, the team’s South African wicketkeeper was first.

“He was like: ‘I hate to be that guy, but obviously your last name… you’re a Kiwi… are you by any chance related to the Barrett brothers?’”

“And I was like: ‘Yeah, I am.’ And he was like: ‘That’s cool. Are they cousins or something?’”

“And I was like: ‘No, they’re my brothers.’ His jaw hit the floor.”

Blake later said that he wasn’t going to advertise it and didn’t want to “embarrass” his siblings.

The family were brought up on a coastal dairy farm near New Plymouth.

Blake also explained how competitiveness was rife among the eight siblings growing up with “fists” and “cricket balls flying” constantly.

Former All Black coach, and current Italy boss, Kieran Crowley lived next door with his family.

While oldest brother Kane was forced into early retirement following a horror concussion sustained while playing for the New Zealand U20s.

Next came Beauden and Scott, then Blake and Jordie was last – who he said is perhaps the best sportsman of them all.

Blake and partner Emily will be at Twickenham and the Aviva Stadium for this autumn’s northern hemisphere tour.

He will visit Dublin to watch Jordie play for Leinster when he makes the move there in December on a short-term deal.

Barrett brothersThe Barrett brothers travel all over the world together with the All Blacks
 All Black Head Coach Scott Robertson (L) and captain Scott Barrett of the New Zealand All Blacks (R) following the International Test Match between New Zealand All Blacks and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium on July 06, 2024 in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)Scott captained New Zealand to a narrow one point victory over England in London in July
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