ZCZC
BSP-18
RUGBYU-NZL-FRA-JPN-CARTER
Carter eyes Japan return after French knockback
WELLINGTON, March 12, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Two-time World Cup winner Dan Carter
said Tuesday was planning to return to Japanese club rugby after a bid to
rejoin French club Racing 92 ended when he was ruled medically unfit.
Carter said the problem was a bulging disc in his neck which might require
surgery but would not stop him playing rugby.
The 37-year-old, who earned 112 caps for the All Blacks, said while French
authorities were especially strict about medical clearances, he would still
be able to play in Japan.
Carter helped his Japanese side Kobelco Steelers to a Top League title last
year and is still contracted to the team. “The beauty is that my second year
in Japan doesn’t start until after the World Cup,” he told the New Zealand
Herald.
“The Top League season there has been pushed back because of the World Cup,
so I will have plenty of time to spend with my family. I thought I would get
my body ready for my second season in Japan.”
The World Cup, hosted by Japan, ends in early November.
Carter was poised to rejoin Racing 92, where he starred from 2015-18, on a
short-term deal after ex-South Africa fly-half Pat Lambie announced his
immediate retirement due to multiple concussions.
He described the medical knockback as “a blessing in disguise” which would
help him prepare for his eventual retirement.
“I get to spend more time back here in NZ,” he said.
“I don’t have a lot of rugby in me but I’m still loving it and enjoying it,
so I guess this long break has helped me to phase into life after rugby.”
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1040 hrs