DAN’S PAIN IN THE NECK
A bad neck cost Dan Carter about $150,000 when it was the cause of him failing a medical to re-join Racing 92 for the last few months of the French season.
Carter, who left Racing 92 in June last year to join Kobe Steelers, was re-signed on loan by the French club in March as a medical joker.
Racing 92 were reportedly going to pay him $50,000 a month but that ended when he was deemed to have a neck injury.
“As part of routine medical checks prior to the approval of players’ licenses, Racing 92 forwarded certain medical information to experts appointed by the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR).
“Their opinion was unanimous: Dan Carter will not be able to play rugby in France,” the club said in a statement.
Apparently Carter has a cervical spine issue that is classified as G3 which means he can’t play in France but is legally able to play in Japan.
And while Racing 92 were disappointed to not welcome back the former All Black, there were others in France who were relieved as they felt it was wrong that the club was willing to pay $50,000 a month for a 37-year-old New Zealander instead of investing in a young French No 10.