Otago Daily Times

Carter retires from pro rugby

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ALL Blacks great Dan Carter has announced his retirement from profession­al rugby after an illustriou­s 19year career.

The 38yearold, with 112 test caps to his name, played his last test in 2015 when he produced a manofthema­tch display to help the All Blacks to victory over Australia in the World Cup final.

The Canterbury firstfive was also part of the New Zealand team that won the 2011 edition of the tournament, though he missed the final after tearing his groin tendon.

He leaves the game as the highest point scorer in test rugby with 1598, more than 350 points clear of England's Jonny Wilkinson.

‘‘I officially retire from profession­al rugby today,’’ Carter wrote on Twitter.

‘‘A sport I've played 32 years which has helped shape me into the person I am today. I can't thank everyone who has played a part in my journey enough, particular­ly you, the fans.

‘‘Rugby will always be a part of my life.’’

Carter debuted for Canterbury in 2002, with an All Blacks debut soon following in 2003 in a win over Wales in Hamilton.

He was also a standout at Super Rugby level with the Crusaders, making 141 appearance­s for the club.

Carter was named Internatio­nal Rugby Player of the Year three times, equalling the record held by longtime team mate and skipper Richie McCaw.

After his internatio­nal retirement, he enjoyed a threeyear spell with Racing 92 in Paris, followed by two seasons with the Kobe Steelers in Japan. He returned to New Zealand last year for a brief stint with the Blues.

Carter said he no longer had the motivation to push himself as hard as necessary to be competitiv­e in New Zealand rugby.

‘‘I play to be the best player out on the field,’’ he said.

‘‘That is my drive and it always has been and I just didn't have that drive back here in New Zealand.’’ — Reuters

❛ Rugby will always

be a part of my life.

 ?? PHOTO: REUTERS ?? So long . . . Dan Carter, seen here after the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup semifinal win over South Africa at Twickenham, London, in 2015, has announced his retirement from profession­al rugby.
PHOTO: REUTERS So long . . . Dan Carter, seen here after the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup semifinal win over South Africa at Twickenham, London, in 2015, has announced his retirement from profession­al rugby.

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