Carter rules out Highlanders move

NEWS: New Zealand legend Dan Carter has ruled out a sensational return to Super Rugby with the Highlanders next season.

Carter remains the highest points scorer in Test rugby despite retiring from All Blacks duty in 2015, the flyhalf calling time on his international career after claiming a second Rugby World Cup crown.

Three seasons with Racing 92 in the Top 14 followed before Carter opted to continue his career in Japan, the 36-year-old signing for Kobelco Steelers in July.

Speculation in New Zealand suggested the iconic No.10 could turn out for the Highlanders at the end of the Japanese season, but Carter was quick to dismiss those rumours.

“I’m not sure where that came from,” Carter told www.stuff.co.nz.

“I hadn’t actually thought about it. Hayden Parker, he’s in the same team as me, we were away on camp, and he read something about me going down there and that was the first I’d heard about it.

“I think I’d prefer after the Japanese season to spend a bit of time with my family, rather than play another Super Rugby season.”

Earlier this week Carter weighed in on the Beauden Barrett versus Richie Mo’unga debate that has gripped New Zealand.

“It’s obviously hotly debated at the moment and credit to Richie Mo’unga for putting his hand up over a fantastic season,” Carter told the New Zealand Herald.

“It’s hard to go past what Beauden’s achieved over the last couple of years. A lot of the All Blacks’ success has come because of his performances. He’s a leader of the team now.

“I’ve been in that position with young guys nipping at your heels. It makes you work harder and appreciate your position in the team more.

“It’s great there’s competition. Damian [McKenzie, of the Chiefs] is not a bad talent as well. It’s great the All Blacks have such depth.”

@RugbyPass