World Cup-winning All Blacks five-eighth Dan Carter, the top-scorer in international rugby with 1598 points, has retired from the sport.
The 38 year old won two World Cups and played his last Test at Twickenham in 2015 when he led New Zealand to victory over Australia in the final of that year’s World Cup.
He also was a member of the New Zealand team that won the 2011 edition of the tournament, though he was injured and did not play in the final.
His prolific point-scoring, array of skills and his comeback from a form slump to be named world player of the year in 2015 for the third time has led some to dub Carter the greatest No.10 in rugby history.
After his retirement from the All Blacks he played for three years for Racing 92 in Paris and for two seasons for the Kobe Steelers in Japan.
Carter returned to New Zealand briefly with the Auckland Blues in 2020 but did not feature in a Super Rugby Aotearoa match.
Carter said the disruption caused by COVID-19, which prevented him taking contracts overseas, had given him time to reflect on his career and future.
“The more I took time off the more I realised I didn’t want to play overseas, and not having the drive to play here I knew in my mind the time was right,” he said.
In an emotional post on Instagram, Carter wrote, ” I’ve thought about this on so many occasions but today is the day and I’m very grateful that I can do it on my terms.
I’m officially retiring from professional rugby. A sport I’ve played 32years 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. I’m excited about my next chapter in life and what that will look like. For now I’m sad to walk away from training but the timig is right. Rugby will always be a part of my life,” he concluded.
Carter said he hoped to coach in future but was not yet prepared to make the commitment of time necessary for a full-time coaching career.