All Blacks great Dan Carter is poised to become the world’s highest-paid rugby player when he moves to France after next year’s Rugby World Cup on a three-year deal with Racing Metro.
The 32-year-old five-eighth, capped 102 times by his country, announced he had signed with the Paris club at a media conference in Auckland on Thursday.
“It’s going to be an awesome adventure for me and my family,” he said of the move to the French Top 14 club.
“I know what the French culture and their rugby culture is like and it’s something I really love.”
Pay wasn’t discussed at the media conference but media in Europe report he’ll be on 1.5 million euros ($A2.25 million) a year, making him the best-paid player in the game.
Carter admitted to feeling emotional about the prospect of leaving New Zealand rugby, but the “opportunity to financially set yourself up for the future was a big part” of his decision.
The move will effectively end Carter’s Test career as New Zealand does not select those playing abroad.
He has a world-record 1457 Test points and has been twice named the world’s best player.
But his role as first-choice in the All Blacks’ No.10 jersey has been put in doubt recently after the emergence of Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett.
Carter played 30 minutes off the bench against the United States in Chicago but then had an unconvincing 55 minutes after starting against Scotland on the All Blacks’ end of year tour.
His season was marred by injury when he broke his leg playing for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby final shortly after returning to the game after a six-month break.
“It’s no secret I want to be part of that World Cup side, but there’s no guarantees in rugby and you’ve got to earn everything you receive,” he said.
“For me the biggest challenge is just getting out there and working hard and I guess not looking too far ahead.”
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said Carter still had a lot to offer at international level.
“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,” Hansen said.
“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.”
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew also paid tribute to Carter, saying the All Blacks’ success over the past decade has largely centred around Richie McCaw and him.
“So we genuinely say thanks,” Tew said.
“It’s too early to start doing anything emotional in that regard, because there’s still plenty of footy to play.”
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Will be more then Carter if he is for sale. I think he will retire to be honest.
Lenny
Guest
Poor fellow still hasn`t won a world cup ..
English twizz
Guest
Racing I think have got a new 32000 Steater studium to fil
Dooggy
Guest
French people love All Blacks. Even the non RM supporters will be buying up his Merchandise.
kippa
Guest
What sort of price tag on ritchie?
Ozee316
Guest
I also agree. Racing Metro will probably increase their sponsorship income by the same as Carters income and more every season. That is not to mention increased fans and performances on the field. It's fantastic for French Rugby and European rugby in general. Carter has been to France before and obviously has a liking for the place. He could practically go anywhere he wanted.
Squirrel
Guest
He was awesome 2 years ago but yeah $2 mill got about 5 games a year great buy . Paying for nostalgia
Play the Game
Guest
DC is the true professional.He will hold up his end and deliver.Racing Metro would have done their sums and will do well out of the deal both on and off the field.DC is one of the most marketable rugby player in the World.
brisvegas
Guest
Squirrel envy sucks mate
Dave H
Guest
Just the sort of comment I'd expect from a rodent Carter has been and is 100% class and will bring the fans in without even needing to lace a boot up. He deserves the respect and appreciation of all rugby fans regardless of whether you support the ABs or not.
Bakkies
Guest
He is.
Squirrel
Guest
What a dud purchase
Harry Jones
Expert
DC will make a lot of money for Racing Metro.
Brawlsinmauls
Guest
i think it is is perfect timing. his ab career has ended so why not cash in (just like horwill + aac). as johnno said he will bring in a wealth of exp and bring new ideas/improvement like other kiwis who have made the switch. only problem is that racing play some dire rugby
Johnno
Guest
Many knock this, but i reckon it will be a good move. Even if DC is only on 1 leg, the experience he can provide is invaluable. Marketing promotion of racing metro, but also the coaching stuff,the advice to the other halves and outside backs will really rub off,even if he doesn't play that much.
swamprat
Roar Pro
Some observers at the NZ v Scotland said he was the worst player on the field. He certainly looked out of sorts. It looks like they have made a big gamble. I think Sexton may be returning to Ireland .
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Seems Lorenzetti, Racing's president, had been in touch with carter for the last 4 years and had met him on quite a few occasions. Also read that Casey Laulala played a big part as he is a good mate of DC and currently plays for RM. Lorenzetti also said that 'although DC will be the best paid of his players he will also be the least expensive one" (taking into account the money RM is expecting to make via DC). Sincerely hope all goes well but have to say I have my doubts. No player is worth that much imo (read 1.1M euro, i.e around aud 1.6M), also not sure its a great feeling for Sexton, Phillips, Roberts, Tales, Swarzewski etc to know they are worth much much less than an ageing rugby star. How about the young French players at the club? Hope this works and DC delivers the same way Wilko did at Toulon. PS: apparently he had a 1.8M euro/year offer from japan.