World leading points scorer Daniel Carter is to join French club Racing Metro 92 on a three-year contract after next year’s Rugby World Cup, a move that will almost certainly bring an end to his storied international career.
The 32-year-old had been widely expected to leave New Zealand rugby after next year’s tournament in England, following a horrendous run with injuries.
It will be Carter’s second foray into French club rugby after he signed a seven-month deal with Perpignan in 2008, but only played five games before a foot injury.
Photo: AFP
Carter is set to earn a reported US$2 million a year at Racing, making him the highest-paid player in the world.
“Carter will be the best paid player at Racing, but also the least expensive because of the economic benefits,” Jacky Lorenzetti, the millionaire owner of the club, told a news conference yesterday.
“We count on his experience to help the other players grow,” coach Laurent Labit added.
Racing’s other coach, Laurent Travers, said Carter would play either as flyhalf or inside center.
“He can play 10 or 12. He does not have a priority. He just wants to bring something to the team,” Travers said.
“It’s going to be an awesome adventure for me and my family,” Carter said in a statement. “Having said that, it’s the immediate future that is exciting me at the moment. 2015 is going to be a big year and I’m looking forward to getting into it.”
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