“Irish was a massive part of my life growing up, and so positively influential. It laid the foundation for everything that’s followed. The same healthy inclusivity and community values are so important at Sarries. For me it’s what the game is all about”

- Kevin Barrett

When he takes his place in the visitors’ dugout, the Saracens Strength & Conditioning coach will inevitably reflect for a moment on the eventful, successful and happy rugby journey that has brought him here.

It was as a typically energetic 7 year-old that he first took the field at our beloved old home The Avenue. Mark (Cork) and Mary (Tipperary) immersed their young family thoroughly in the heart of the vibrant London Irish community. Kevin and his siblings spent their childhoods tearing round the Sunbury acres, whilst the legendary conviviality of the clubhouse rolled late into many a long and lively evening.

For himself, and a famously close-knit peer group, being thrown into the very thick of the action at an early age did no harm at all. They went on to thrive at the heart of the celebrated London Irish side that stuck together right through the age groups, filling several trophy cabinets along the way, including national titles at U17 and U19 levels. There were also plenty of good times on the road, most especially the annual tour to Dublin.
This continuity forged a fiercely resilient bond amongst teammates who always had each other’s backs. Indeed Kevin’s abiding recollection is of this irrepressible camaraderie: “As a group we were immensely tight both on and off the field. This team spirit served us well, and we now have lifelong friendships and fond memories to show for it”

Equally as comfortable, back in the day, at full-back or scrum-half, his versatility served him well. After finishing school at Stonyhurst College, he settled at 9, and established himself in the senior set-up at Irish. Pro rugby suited the durable Barrett and he moved on to Exeter (two stints) and Sarries, where his achievements and popularity speak for themselves. His honours are no less impressive in the shortened format, a fine sevens career including some 25 IRB events, World Cup and Commonwealth Games, alongside the proud distinction of captaining England.

As further testament to his enduring class and resilience, he went on, after officially retiring from the professional ranks at 32, to turn out for Ampthill for many years. Having secured the rare distinction of playing Championship rugby in his 40s, he finally hung up his well-travelled boots last season. Away from his daily duties at Hendon, Kevin can be usually found on the touchline at Harpenden RFC, whilst his boys, Harry, Mylo and Bailey, get stuck in with the hearty enthusiasm that clearly runs in the family.

Having been immersed in the game for so long, the fire still burns, as he looks back affectionately on the warm and sociable chaos that characterised those carefree Sunbury days. As we look forward to tonight’s contest, he reflects on the endlessly positive influence that his formative years have had on the rest of his career:

London Irish Amateur Rugby Football Club would sincerely like to thank Kevin Barrett, the Barrett family, Paul Murphy and Harry Chesterman of London Irish for their contributions.