Barritt was selected by England coach Martin Johnson to represent the England Saxons at the 2009 Churchill Cup. This was possible because Barritt had not yet had a senior-level cap for another country, making him eligible for England as well as South Africa. Barritt's family has strong English roots, and many of his aunts and uncles live in England. Barritt's grandparents were born in England, and his grandfather played rugby union for English Universities. Barritt made his Saxons debut against the USA, scoring a try.