Kerr-Barlow made his international debut in a 51-22 win over Scotland, replacing veteran Piri Weepu in his 69th test with 19 minutes to go.

Kerr-Barlow's injury trouble in 2014 and 2015 was covered by the likes of Andy Ellis and Brad Weber before the World Cup started.

Kerr-Barlow earned his second career start against Italy on the end of year tour, leading the Haka against the Italians for his first and only time.

Kerr-Barlow was named in the 2017 Rugby Championship squad, coming off the bench in wins against Argentina and South Africa.

Kerr-Barlow played the majority of the match before making way for All Blacks debutant Mitchell Drummond with ten minutes left.

[2] In August 2022, Kerr-Barlow announced he was willing to switch allegiances to the Wallabies to play for his country of birth, taking advantage of World Rugby's new eligibility rules.