Dan Carter is auctioning one of his prized All Blacks jerseys to help his old Southbridge club battle back from the financial hit of the Covid-19 crisis.
Carter has placed the jersey he wore in his 70th test against the Springboks at Eden Park in 2010 up for bids on TradeMe.
It’s the first time he has parted with one of his jerseys for a cause and in just over a day it has reached more than $21,000. The auction closes on June 25.
“Grassroots rugby and community clubs are what New Zealand rugby is all about. We all need to do our bit in getting New Zealand communities back on their feet and we need to rally around and get innovative to raise funds,” Carter said.
Southbridge president Shona Mehlhopt added: “The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the sport we all love, but rugby remains at the heart of our community, we want to make sure we come back stronger than ever.”
Carter started playing at Southbridge at the age of five and went on to play 112 tests for the All Blacks, win two World Cups, and be world player of the year three times.
The former Crusaders stalwart has just signed to play for the Blues in Super Rugby Aoteaoa but Southbridge remains close to his heart.
“They are the heartbeat of the community,” Carter said of the Southbridge club when promoting the auction on Seven Sharp.
“I don’t know what my little town of Southbridge would be like without the rugby club.
“I don’t even want to imagine what it would be like. It would leave a big hole in a lot of people’s hearts that live around that community.”
The jersey, which has Carter’s name embroidered on it, was a special one to the superstar No 10.
The All Blacks had lost three tests to the Springboks in 2009 and were desperate for revenge in Auckland the following year.
The All Blacks achieved that, winning 32-12 with Carter kicking three conversions and two penalties.
“Probably one of the most physical test matches I’ve ever played in but we managed to get the win which was nice,” Carter said.