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Barretts share emotional story of sister with Down syndrome

Cape Town - Like so many All Blacks fans, Zara Barrett is keen to get their attention after any Test. And she does get special attention - because Beauden Barrett is her big brother.

Zara, or 'Zars' as she's called, is 16-years-old. She's fun, she's kind - and she also has Down syndrome.

But she doesn't know she is any different, she just "loves life" - and loves her brothers.

Her mother Robyn and dad 'Smiley' have eight kids. There are five brothers: Beauden, Scott, Jordie, Kane and Blake.

Zara also has two sisters - Ella and Jenna.

The Barretts are opening up about Zara to raise awareness of Down syndrome.

"People with Down syndrome need to feel loved and included," Beauden says.

"She's so awesome and we love that about her. She calls it how she sees it and she appreciates the simple things in life."

The Barretts spoke to Newshub in this touching video below.

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