Born in Pendleton, Lancashire, Barlow moved to Wales where he joined local rugby club, Cardiff.
In 1884, Barlow was chosen to represent Wales, in a game against Ireland, as part of the Home Nations Championship.
The game was played at the Cardiff Arms Park, and the travelling Irish team turned up for the match two players short, with accounts at the time crediting Wales players Purdon and Jordan being drafted in to complete the team.
Under the captaincy of Joe Simpson, Wales won the game by a dropped goal and two tries to nil.
Although a rare victory for the Welsh team, Barlow lost his place the very next match when Wales rugby legend Arthur 'Monkey' Gould was given the full-back role.