Dan Carter and Kobelco Steelers to part ways
New Zealand's Dan Carter during the Rugby World Cup match at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday October 2, 2015. See PA story RUGBYU New Zealand. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. No use in books or print sales without prior permission. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Former All Blacks fly-half and three-time World Player of the Year Dan Carter has announced that he will leave Japanese outfit Kobelco Steelers.
The 38-year-old made the announcement via a social media post but did not specify whether he will be retiring completely.
Carter, who played in 112 Tests for New Zealand between 2003 and 2015, was part of the Steelers team who were crowned champions in Japan’s Top League during the 2018/19 season.
But, with the 2019/20 Top League cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Carter revealed that his stint in Japan has come to an end.
“I’ve gone a bit quiet since the JRU announced they are cancelling all their competitions this season,” he said on Instagram.
🗣️ "The players are committed to playing their part in ensuring the long-term future of the sport and to ensure the game best manages the financial implications of Covid-19." #SuperRugby
🇳🇿 New Zealand Rugby freezes 50 per cent of players’ pay. 👉 https://t.co/8sbD7gLypy pic.twitter.com/cIfcnrBG4Q
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 16, 2020
“I know it’s the right decision with what the world is going through at the moment but I would have loved to try help my @kobelcosteelers_official family win another top league, and I’m gutted I can’t do this.
“I want to thank the club, fans and my team mates for welcoming me and making the last two seasons some of the most enjoyable rugby I have ever played.
“The club’s future is looking very bright, and I’m glad I got to add my little piece to the @kobelcosteelers_official legacy.”
