Dan Carter's dad: 'This is one off the bucket list'

Dan Carter with his family after winning the World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

It's hard to describe how it feels to be the parent of a Rugby World Cup-winning All Black, says Dan Carter's dad.

Neville Carter said the day after the successful world cup final was "surreal".

"It's pretty hard to describe, it's one of those feeling that is surreal," he told Newstalk ZB.

"It's hard to explain."

He said his son Dan had "a bit of bad luck" during the last two World Cup campaigns, but he had now reached the ultimate spot in the game.

After the medals had been presented and the cup lifted by captain Richie McCaw the All Blacks made their way to the sideline where partners and family members of the team were gathered.

"I managed to give him a hug and I didn't realise he was quite so strong, he just about crushed me," Neville Carter said.

He told his son "well done, this is one off the bucket list".

Dan Carter and Julian Savea are up for Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards tonight in London.

Steve Hansen is in the running for Coach of the Year and the All Blacks are nominated for Team of the Year.