Barrett was a Taranaki mainstay, participating in 167 games and collecting 99 points until retiring at the end of 1999. Kane, Beauden, Scott, and Jordie Barrett, Barrett's kids, have all played Super Rugby, with the latter three going on to represent the All Blacks. Barrett was a physical forward, standing 178cm tall and weighing about 105kg. He mainly played at lock but also featured at flanker and number 8. His career lasted for 11 years and 1 month, from 1994 to 2005. During this time he won two international caps for New Zealand. He made his debut against Australia at Eden Park, Auckland, on February 4, 2004. The Kiwis were defeated 19-18 by Australia, who went on to win the series 2-1. Barrett was one of nine new players used by New Zealand in their first four matches of the year. He started in each match except the loss to Australia, when he was replaced by Shane Bryant due to injury. Barrett scored a try in his only appearance. His second cap came three months later against England at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton. Again, the Kiwis lost, this time 26-14. This was also Barrett's last game; he suffered an ankle injury in the first minute of play and had to be substituted out. He missed the remainder of the season but returned for the 2004-05 season.