Tributes pour in for the World Cup-winning fly-half as he announces his pro playing days are over
All Blacks great Dan Carter retires
Dan Carter has announced his retirement from professional rugby – and tributes have been pouring in on social media.
The former New Zealand fly-half earned 112 caps during his 12-year international career and was part of the All Blacks’ World Cup-winning squads of 2011 and 2015. He also played an integral role in the All Blacks’ series win over the British & Irish Lions in 2005.
The 38-year-old is the top point-scorer in international rugby, with 1,598 points in Test matches, and he has won titles at domestic level with the Crusaders, Perpignan and Racing 92.
Carter had been playing for the Kobelco Steelers in Japan but the Covid-19 pandemic brought that stint to a premature end last year and he has now decided to retire from professional rugby.
“I felt like I could have played there into my 40s,” Carter told The Daily Mail. “I came back to New Zealand because of Covid and that put everything into perspective. I needed to be all in but I just didn’t have that drive any more.
I officially retire from professional rugby today. 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. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/HTJl85ZcRB
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) February 20, 2021
“I took a few months to chew it over. The more time I spent with my family, the more I realised that I’ve clocked off. Now is the time to commit to that decision. I’ve got three young kids — seven, five and two — with a fourth on the way. It’s about time I started pulling my weight around the house!”
Since Carter has broken the news that his playing days are over tributes have poured in from all over the rugby world, with many hailing him the greatest of all time.
? 4 tournaments
? 16 matches
? 191 points
? 2 winners’ medals1 @DanCarter ? pic.twitter.com/Em0j2OKach
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) February 20, 2021
Congratulations on an inspiring career mate. Incredible times behind you, very exciting ones ahead too. Go well!! https://t.co/sL8CCBrajD
— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) February 20, 2021
You will be remembered as one of the greatest ever, but more importantly, not just on the field but off it as well. A true gentleman. It was always a pleasure and privilege. Best wishes for the future.
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2021
Congrats mate on an amazing career. Was a huge honour to play against u as many times a I did. Was less of an honour to lose that many times as well ?? Congrats again, enjoy retirement, well earned ????
— Matt Giteau ?? (@giteau_rugby) February 20, 2021
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Congrats on an incredible career @DanCarter!! https://t.co/4n6qpOGQjK
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) February 20, 2021
End of an era. Dan Carter will be remembered as one of the greats, one of the very best. Outstanding on the biggest of stages & a super ambassador for the game. Enjoy your retirement.
— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) February 20, 2021
Incredible servant to the game @DanCarter , one of the greatest. Enjoy retirement fella @AllBlacks https://t.co/JKSAtWjnZD
— Rocky Clark MBE (@RockyClark_1) February 20, 2021
Simply put, the Greatest of All Time.
I watched him from the stands twice, and both times I was giddy with the sheer privilege I’d forever be able to say I saw *Dan Carter* play.
Nobody else has ever done that for me. Perhaps nobody ever will. The best there’s ever been. https://t.co/vZmN41JFBr
— Squidge Rugby (@SquidgeRugby) February 20, 2021
Watching the world's best fly halves over 50+ years since I gave up trying to be a fourth-rate one myself, one wondrous performance stands above the rest:
Dan Carter @AllBlacks against @lionsofficial The Cake Tin 2005. Regrettably, I didn't see Barry John mesmerise NZ in 1971. https://t.co/X5s2xquAOF— Peter Jackson (@JackoRugby) February 20, 2021
IMHO @DanCarter is the greatest player lace up a pair of boots. Had it all. played with panache and style. His ‘weaknesses’ were better than most players’ best strengths. Often the scourge of the @springboks but never anything but humble and graceful. Rugby genius. @AllBlacks
— Craig Ray (@craigray11) February 20, 2021
Let us know your favourite memories of Dan Carter and whether you think he is rugby’s ‘GOAT’ by emailing rugbyworldletters@futurenet.com
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