Legendary New Zealand fly half Dan Carter has agreed to join fly giants Racing Metro on a lucrative three year deal-rumoured to be in excess of a million euro per year- following the completion of next year’s World Cup, it has been announced.
Carter, 32, will hope that his stint with Racing proves to be more successful than his injury plagued spell at the Basque side Perpignan during a sabbatical from the All Blacks.
“It’s going to be an awesome adventure for me and my family,” he said. “Having visited France many times, including my time with Perpignan, I know what the French culture and their rugby culture is like and it’s something I really love.
“Having said that, it’s the immediate future that is exciting me at the moment. 2015 is going to be a big year and I’m looking forward to getting into it, firstly with the Crusaders and then hopefully with the All Blacks. My body is feeling really good, I’m training really hard and getting some good conditioning in so I can hit the ground running next year”, said an excited Carter.
All Blacks coach, Steve Hansen, went on the record to thank Carter for his service to the National Team.
“On behalf of the All Blacks, I want to congratulate Dan on his decision and also on his career to date. He is still in the midst of a wonderful career, both as a provincial and Super Rugby player and an All Black, and will leave us as the greatest first five-eighth ever.
“Whilst he hasn’t finished yet in New Zealand, he has already set the benchmark for first five play, and we look forward to seeing him out on the paddock in 2015″, said the former Wales coach.