Dan Carter's career in Japan has come to an end but has he retired?
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The All Blacks legendary fly-half and three-time World Player of the Year Dan Carter has announced that he will leave Japanese outfit Kobelco Steelers after his final season in Japan was cut short.
The 38-year-old made the announcement on Instagram but did not specify whether he will be bringing his professional career or not.
The 112 test cap veteran was part of the Steelers team who were crowned champions in Japan’s Top League during the 2018/19 season and was subsequently named the MVP of the 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.
“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.”
Carter fellow teammate and former All Black and Crusaders scrum-half Andy Ellis confirming that his time in Japan is coming to an end.
Ellis was told to return home for a couple of weeks when the Top League was first suspended in late February.
“Two weeks after that, we were told it’s cancelled,” Ellis told Newshub. “This was my last season and now I’m retired.”
