Dan Carter has hung up the boots at the age of 38 after an incredible career that will see him go down as one of the greatest players to grace the game.
In an announcement on social media Carter said he was “sad to walk away from playing but the timing is right”.
“I’ve thought about this on so many occasions but today is the day and I am very grateful that I can do it on my terms,” Carter wrote.
“I’m officially retiring from professional rugby. A sport I’ve played for 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 – from my team mates, opponents, coaching and management teams, sponsors and in particular you, the fans.
“A special mention to my friends and family who have supported and guided me through my career. Mum and Dad, thank you for everything you have sacrificed for me.
“My wife Honor for being my rock and allowing me to fulfill my dreams while raising our beautiful family – I can’t thank you enough. I’m excited about my next chapter in life and what that will look like.
“For now, I’m sad to walk away from playing but the timing is right. Rugby will always be a part of my life. Thank you.”
Carter made his debut for Canterbury in 2002 and went on to make 141 appearances for the Crusaders, scoring more than 1700 points.
However, he became a global star at the All Blacks level, and his performance in the second test against the British and Irish Lions in 2005 was his masterpiece.
He was almost unplayable on that evening in Wellington, leaving observers awestruck at his mix of awareness, pace, skill and composure.
However, injuries were his constant companion and it wasn’t until a decade later that Carter finally won a Rugby World Cup final.
After that success in 2015, he gave up test rugby and headed to France and then Japan, where he continued to win trophies.
He returned to New Zealand last year and joined the Blues, but failed to make the field due to injury.
He told NZME that his spell with the Blues convinced him it was the right time to walk away.
“I loved being part of the team environment but going through that process it made me realise that I play to be the best player out on the field,” Carter said.
“That is my drive and it always has been and I just didn’t have that drive back here in New Zealand.
“I had nothing to prove and nothing to get my motivation levels up to where they should have been to play against all those young bucks here.”
“That kind of made me ask whether I wanted to play in New Zealand or not. I was looking for new contracts because I thought that was a way to provide for my family.
“When I realised the age my kids are and the amount of work Honor [Carter’s wife] was doing looking after them while I was away chasing my dream, it made me realise it was time to stop.
“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.”
Earlier this month, Carter and wife Honor announced they were expecting their fourth child, and Carter said family considerations would take priority before he decides on his next career move.
“Rugby is what I know and love and I feel like I have a lot of knowledge that I would like to share,” he told NZME.
“But my mentality is all about winning and if I got into coaching I would be all in and I would commit to that.
“I would work around the clock and I know how hard coaches work. They lose their weekends.
“They are in before the players, leave after them and work on the days the players are recovering.
“My reasons for retiring are to spend more time with the family.
“I would love to be involved in some way. Exactly what it is yet I am not sure. But I can’t commit.
“I like a bit of flexibility and I am working on a few projects that I am passionate about both overseas and in New Zealand.”
