All Blacks first-five Dan Carter has today confirmed his move to Paris club Racing Metro following next year's World Cup.
Carter, 32, will join the club on a three-year deal in December next year. It will be his second stint in France following his ill-fated season with Perpignan which finishedin a ruptured Achilles, one of the many injuries he has suffered during his 13-year professional career.
"It's going to be an awesome adventure for me and my family," he said. "Having visited France many times, including my time with Perpignan, I know what the French culture and their rugby culture is like and it's something I really love.
"Having said that, it's the immediate future that is exciting me at the moment. 2015 is going to be a big year and I'm looking forward to getting into it, firstly with the Crusaders and then hopefully with the All Blacks. My body is feeling really good, I'm training really hard and getting some good conditioning in so I can hit the ground running next year. I'm looking forward to getting out and playing some good footy."
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said: "Dan has been incredibly loyal to New Zealand Rugby over the years and for that we thank him. Whilst everyone is aware of his outstanding achievements on the rugby field, it's also important to note that during his career he recommitted to New Zealand at two critical junctures in our rugby history - after the 2007 Rugby World Cup and again following the 2011 tournament.
"That decision by Dan and other senior players to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby after 2007 should not be underestimated; he was a key part of a group of players who formed the backbone of the All Blacks over the following years, which ultimately helped the All Blacks to victory at Rugby World Cup 2011. For that we will be eternally grateful to him. We look forward to having him in New Zealand for one final season."
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said: "On behalf of the All Blacks, I want to congratulate Dan on his decision and also on his career to date. 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.
"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."
