[1][2] During World War II, Barrière joined the French Resistance and operated in Aude.
[2] Whilst in the resistance, he met French leaders of rugby league which had been banned by the collaborationist Vichy government.
Barrière was the driving force behind the agreement to create the International Rugby League Board and to institute a World Cup.
[3] When asked for his opinion on moves to name the World Cup trophy after him, Barrière refused the honour.
[2] From 1990 until 2004 Barrière organised the Festival de la Cite in Carcassonne for musical theatre.