Carter officially a 'million-dollar baby'
All Black great Dan Carter will become the world's highest paid player when he leaves New Zealand after next year's World Cup.
He confirmed one of the game's worst-kept secrets, that he will play for French Top 14 club Racing Metro.
While no financial details of the deal were made public at the announcement on Thursday, according to media reports in Europe Carter is expected to become the world's highest paid player in a deal set to earn him well over US$6.5-million a year.
His salary is expected to be about US$2.5-million a year, but it will be substantially increased by the off-field endorsements which are expected to flood in when he hits France.
Carter will join Racing Metro in December 2015, following what he hopes will be a successful defence of the World Cup, and will play through until the 2017-18 season.
"I've got a young family, and that [money] definitely comes into play as the most important thing, and at the stage we're at it's the perfect opportunity to experience living outside of New Zealand," Carter said at a specially convened press conference in Auckland.
"Obviously realising you can't play forever and wanting to make the most of that opportunity financially and set yourself up for the future was a big part of it as well. And Paris is not a bad place to live – one my favourite cities, which I'm quite excited about."
Carter, a Test centurion and the world's most prolific international points scorer, said the move to France on a three-year deal would be "an awesome adventure for me and my family".
"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," the 32-year-old flyhalf said.
"Having said that, it's the immediate future that is exciting me at the moment. Next year 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."
All Black coach Steve Hansen offered his congratulations to Carter, saying he had set a benchmark in the No.10 jersey.
"He is still in the midst of a wonderful career, both as a provincial, Super Rugby player and an All Black, and will leave us as the greatest flyhalf ever," he said.
"On behalf of the All Blacks, I want to congratulate Dan on his decision and also on his career to date.
"Whilst he hasn't finished yet in New Zealand, he has already set the benchmark for flyhalf play, and we look forward to seeing him out on the paddock in 2015."
Carter has played 102 Tests for New Zealand, scoring a world record 1,457 points, and was named the world Player of the Year in 2005 and 2012.
But injuries have forced him to become a bit-part player for New Zealand in recent years, even though Hansen insists a fit and firing Carter remains his first choice flyhalf.
He only played against the United States and Scotland in last month's Northern Hemisphere tour, with Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett preferred for high-profile matches against England and Wales.
Carter's previous experience of club rugby in France ended early when he ruptured an Achilles tendon after only five games playing for Perpignan in 2008-09.
New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Steve Tew said while everyone was looking forward to seeing Carter in action in 2015.
"I am sure all New Zealand fans will celebrate Dan's remaining time in New Zealand and he will leave with New Zealand's very best wishes.
"Dan has been incredibly loyal to New Zealand 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 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 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."
Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder added: "Dan Carter has given so much to rugby in this region. He is one of the most famous rugby players in the world, but he is still a local lad who has never forgotten his roots. 'DC' is the ultimate team player and his contribution is as significant off the field as it is on the field.
"The Crusaders will be very sad to see a player of DC's calibre go, but we are thankful for all that he has given us over the last 11 years and we are looking forward to a final season with him in 2015. I know that this will be a special season for Dan and we'll certainly be hoping to help him leave on a high note."
