All Blacks legend Carter barred from Racing92 return on medical grounds

PARIS: Double World Cup winner Dan Carter will not rejoin French club Racing 92 due to medical reasons, the club announced on Saturday.

Carter, 36, who starred for the French giants between 2015-2018, has been deemed ineligible to play in France by the French National League ( LNR) after his former outfit referred his medical results to the organisation which runs the Top 14 competition.

His health dossier was passed to the LNR as part of his registration as a Racing92 squad member – as is the case with every new player in the league.

“Racing 92 handed over certain elements of his medical dossier to the experts designated by the French National League. Their opinion was unanimous: Dan Carter can’t play rugby in France,” said a statement.

“We are very disappointed of course but... the law is harsh but it is the law and we don’t compromise players’ health.

“We wish Dan the best for the future, a future at the same level of his immense career.”

The former Top 14 champions said last month Carter would return on a short-term deal from Japanese side Kobelco Steelers as cover for ex- South Africa fly-half Pat Lambie who announced his immediate retirement in January due to numerous concussions.

Other options at f ly- half for the millionaire- backed outfit are Scotland’s Finn Russel l, second- choice Ben Volavola and journeyman Raphael Lagarde.

Carter was expected to supplement the options at stand-off as Racing 92 eye a place in the end of season playoffs and a first European Champions Cup with a quarter-final tie against Toulouse on March 31.

During his previous three-year stint in the French capital, Carter won the league title but failed to lift the European Cup, losing in two finals.