Two-Time Olympian Danny Barrett Announces Retirement

Representing the United States in two Olympic Games, a Rugby World Cup and across 54 World Rugby Sevens Series events, Danny Barrett officially announced his retirement on Tuesday after two years with the Houston SaberCats.

Barrett has been a force for USA Rugby, both on and off the pitch. First debuting on home soil in Las Vegas 2013, the Cal Berkeley grad leaves his playing days tied for fifth most USA appearances on the sevens circuit. Known for his strength and power with ball in hand, Barrett’s passion for wearing the USA shirt was equally as powerful.

“Thank you, rugby, for all you have done,” said Barrett, “It's time that I call it a career and move into the next chapter. Thank you for the learnings, the memories, friendships, relationships, and family you have given me. I had some of the best times of my life because of you. You gave me a beautiful wife Megan, a beautiful daughter, a friend group anyone would be jealous of, and more scars than I can count. You have been gracious to my family and for that I am forever indebted to you.”

Originally from Pacifica, CA, finding rugby at a young age through family, Barrett played in High School at Sacred Heart Cathedral and San Francisco Golden Gate, before venturing on to the famed University of California – Berkeley rugby program for a pair of National Championships. Graduating in 2013, it didn’t take long for him to find his way to the USA Rugby radar, with Collegiate All American honors and an invite to the Falcons Canada tour. Barrett debuted in both XVs and sevens the next year, during the Las Vegas Sevens and later against Scotland that June. Though recognized as a sevens stalwart, Danny would earn a selection to the Men’s Eagles Rugby World Cup roster in 2015.

Barrett’s power was most identifiable on the pitch, however his dedication to empowering teammates was equally as recognizable. Named to the 2016 and 2020 Olympic squads, Danny will leave an indelible mark on the USA playing pitch. Following a successful stint with the Houston SaberCats after his sevens career, Barrett will move on to the administrative side of rugby, recently taking on the Executive Director role with the Golden Eagles, a philanthropic group supporting the Men’s and Women’s USA Sevens.

USA Men's Sevens Head Coach Mike Friday on Barrett's retirement from the pitch: "Danny was an huge integral part of the 7’s program. He was a big presence within the group as well as a big player who always put everything on the line out on the pitch. He was hugely competitive, passionate and physical on the pitch and never took a step back. I thoroughly enjoyed being in the same pack as Danny going into battle. Off the pitch, he was great fun to be around, as he is a bright caring individual who always acts with integrity and a person of principle. USA Rugby is very lucky he is one or ours and I have no doubt he will be a huge success in his next venture."