New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter on Saturday announced his retirement from professional rugby after a 19-year career.
The 38-year-old, capped 112 times by New Zealand, played his last Test in 2015 when he produced a Man-of-the-Match display to help the All Blacks to victory over Australia in the World Cup final.
The flyhalf was also part of the New Zealand team that won the 2011 edition of the tournament, though he missed the final after tearing his groin tendon.
He leaves the game as the highest point scorer in Test rugby with 1 598, more than 350 points clear of England's Jonny Wilkinson.
Announcing his retirement, Carter wrote on Twitter: “I officially retire from professional rugby today.
“A sport I’ve played 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, particularly you, the fans. Rugby will always be a part of my life.”
I officially retire from professional rugby today. A sport I’ve played 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, particularly you, the fans. Rugby will always be a part of my life. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/HTJl85ZcRB
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) February 20, 2021
Carter was named International Rugby Player of the Year three times in his career, equalling the record held by long-time teammate and skipper Richie McCaw.
After his international retirement, he enjoyed a three-year spell with Racing 92 in Paris followed by two seasons with the Kobe Steelers in Japan.
He returned to New Zealand last year for a brief stint with the Auckland Blues.
In a letter to fans on the Players’ Tribune website, Carter adds: “I always knew my career wasn’t going to last forever. “This game is so much bigger than any one player.
“My greatest hope is that maybe there was at least one person who, while watching me play, might have had a little spark ignited inside of them... [to chase] their own impossible dream.”
“My greatest hope is that maybe there was at least one person out there who, while watching me play, might have had a little spark ignited inside of them. And maybe that spark motivated them to dedicate themselves to their own impossible dream” To read ➡️ https://t.co/N9jfhROLdR pic.twitter.com/kBNjW7PiUz
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) February 20, 2021
Goodbye tweets:
Springboks: “Congratulations on a stellar career @DanCarter and good luck with the next chapter. You’ll always be welcome for a braai here in South Africa!”
🤝Congratulations on a stellar career @DanCarter and good luck with the next chapter. You'll always be welcome for a braai here in South Africa! pic.twitter.com/L5DBwXJ7FL
— Springboks (@Springboks) February 20, 2021
Wallabies: “All the best on the next chapter @DanCarter”
🤝👊 All the best on the next chapter @DanCarter pic.twitter.com/EwIpkY1ZGG
— Wallabies (@wallabies) February 20, 2021
Bryan Habana: “Congrats on an incredible career @DanCarter!!”
🐐🐐🐐
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) February 20, 2021
Congrats on an incredible career @DanCarter!! https://t.co/4n6qpOGQjK
Drew Mitchell: “Not a bad shift mate! Catch up soon for a drink.. You bring the cups, we all know you have enough.”
Not a bad shift mate! Catch up soon for a drink.. You bring the cups, we all know you have enough 🏆 🤣🤣@DanCarter
— Drew Mitchell (@drew_mitchell) February 20, 2021
Adam Ashley-Cooper: “Congratulations Dezzy! Was an honour to share the field, both playing against you and playing alongside you. While in Kobe, it was very easy to see why you were one of the greats! Enjoy the next chapter brother x.”
Congratulations Dezzy! Was an honour to share the field, both playing against you and playing alongside you. While in Kobe, it was very easy to see why you were one of the greats! Enjoy the next chapter brother x
— Adam Ashley-Cooper (@AdamCoopy) February 20, 2021
Nigel Owens: “You will be remembered as one of the greatest ever, but more importantly, not just on the field but off it as well. A true gentleman. It was always a pleasure and privilege. Best wishes for the future.”
You will be remembered as one of the greatest ever, but more importantly, not just on the field but off it as well. A true gentleman. It was always a pleasure and privilege. Best wishes for the future.
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2021