All Black Sensation Dan Carter’s Paris Move a Big Deal

All Black great Dan Carter, 32, is poised to become the world’s highest-paid rugby player when he moves to France after next year’s Rugby World Cup on a three-year deal with Paris club Racing Metro.

“It’s going to be an awesome adventure for me and my family,” the fly-half said of his forthcoming move. “I know what the French culture and their rugby culture is like and it’s something I really love.”

Media in Europe report he’ll be on 1.5m euros a year, making him the best-paid player in the game.

The move will effectively end Carter’s Test career as New Zealand does not select those playing abroad.

He has a world-record 1457 Test points and has been twice named the world’s best player.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said Carter still had a lot to offer at international level.

“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,” Hansen said.

Original article by Australian Associated Press, The Guardian, December 18, 2014.

Photo by Photosport.