Dan Carter signs to NZRU til 2015

[HodgoBerro]

Carter re-signs with NZRU and Crusaders until 2015
http://allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsarticle=16231

One of the biggest names in world rugby, the All Blacks key playmaker and first five–eighth Daniel Carter has re–signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Crusaders franchise through until 2015, it was announced today.


The re–signing of Carter is a major boost for New Zealand rugby, with Carter now part of a core group of experienced All Blacks playing beyond this year’s Rugby World Cup.

29–year–old Carter said: “This has been an incredibly important decision for me personally and I have received some significant offers to play overseas which were both flattering and tempting. But in the end the overriding factor for me was the All Blacks jersey.”

NZRU CEO Steve Tew said: “We are absolutely delighted Dan has chosen to continue his career in New Zealand and we have the utmost respect for him, knowing he had some serious options to consider.”

Tew confirmed that the NZRU had “thought outside the square” in securing Carter.

“We believe that the contract is a reflection of the high standing that Dan has in the game both here and overseas. We have been very flexible in our approach, which again shows how important we think Dan is to the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby.

“As an example, we have built in options for Dan to take an extended break from the game if he so wishes – whether that’s to take a break from rugby or play overseas – and he will discuss that with us at the right time.”

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: “Daniel is the best player in the world in his position, one of the best to have ever worn the All Blacks jersey and the vice-captain and on–field navigator of the All Blacks. He is a tremendous ambassador for the All Blacks and our national game and fans both here in New Zealand and overseas will be celebrating his re–signing.”

Crusaders Coach Todd Blackadder added: “This is great news for New Zealand rugby. Dan has been an important part of the Crusaders and Canterbury rugby for many years and for him to re-commit long-term is a real boost. Dan obviously offers so much to every team he plays for when he’s on the field but his off-field input is also highly important. He’s a true professional and a real hard worker and is a joy to have around, to be honest.”

Warren Alcock, from Carter’s management company, Essentially Group, has been involved in player contracts since the inception of professional rugby and said the agreement had been the most comprehensive individual contract he had been involved in.

“It has a level of detail and complexity that we haven’t faced in New Zealand before. That has required both parties to be innovative and it also reflects a high degree of trust between the NZRU and Dan,” he said.

“I have seen first–hand how hard it has been for Dan to make this decision and to balance the various issues he had to consider. In the end, the one consistent factor for him has been the enjoyment and pride he gets from representing his country,” he added.

Daniel Carter made his Super Rugby and All Blacks debut in 2003 and has been breaking records ever since. He has played 79 Tests and is currently the most capped All Blacks first five–eighth and sixth most capped All Black of all time. He is the second highest points scorer in international Test history scoring 1,188 points in those 79 Tests, and is Super Rugby’s highest points scorer with 1,174 points so far.

Carter has also scored the most points by any All Black in Tests against Australia (245 points), South Africa (221), England (167), Wales (162), France (106), Italy (53) and Canada (47), and the most points in a Test match against Wales (27 points), England (26), South Africa (25, jointly with Carlos Spencer) and Canada (29) as well as the brilliant 33 points he scored in the second Test against the British & Irish Lions in 2005. He has twice won the New Zealand Player of the Year and Super Rugby Player of the Year awards and was IRB Player of the Year in 2005.

Carter joins a group of current and recent All Blacks who have recommitted to New Zealand rugby after this year’s Rugby World Cup, including hookers Keven Mealamu and Hikawera Elliot, the All Blacks most capped prop Tony Woodcock and fellow prop Ben Franks, locks Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly and Sam Whitelock, loose forwards Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Daniel Braid, Liam Messam and Victor Vito, and backs Jimmy Cowan, Alby Mathewson, Colin Slade, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg and Aaron Cruden.

Daniel Carter

Born: 5 March 1982 in Leeston, Canterbury
Physical: 1.79m, 92kg
Position: First five-eighth
Province: Canterbury
Investec Super Rugby team: Crusaders
All Blacks Debut: 21 June 2003, vs Wales in Hamilton, aged 21.
All Blacks Tests: 79
All Blacks Test Points: 1188pts (29 tries, 208 conversions, 207 penalties, two dropped goals)
All Black Number: 1034

 

[Godfrey]

That's excellent. Carter is a credit to the game and it's great seeing this kind of mutual respect between player and board rather than an "all or nothing" situation. Great example for rugby.

 

[Newb]

big fan of his so glad he's sticking around. they'd be fucked without him.

and besides, he already did his overseas stint. didn't turn out so hot.

 

[DPK]

He could have gone out on top, but he's sticking around to see if he can push even higher. I'd back him to make it happen.

Pretty conflicting this one; good for rugby, bad for everyone who doesn't wear Black or Red and Black.

 

[matty_k]

Feel sorry for his back up at the Crusaders and All Blacks. They must been hoping it would be their time to shine.

 

[Ali's Choice]

Feel sorry for his back up at the Crusaders and All Blacks. They must been hoping it would be their time to shine.

Not really. Matt Berquist is leaving at the end of this season for Leinster, and young Tyler Bleyendaal, the Player of the U20s RWC in 2010 is noy yet ready for Super Rugby. By next year he will be looking for more game time, and who better to show him the ropes than the world's best no.10? Also, remember he has a sabbatical clause, so he may not even be playing Super Rugby next year, just like he didn't in 2009. Regardless, this is excellent news for the Crusaders, All Blacks and NZ more rugby more generally. It's also excellent news for SANZAR, as we all benefit from having more high quality players involved in Super Rugby and the 3N.

 

[matty_k]

I missed the sabbatical clause but still nothing beats actual game time.

 

[Dunnman]

The All Blacks just won 2 world cups....

 

[rugbysmartarse]

The All Blacks just won 2 world cups....

request to the mods for a "disagree" button

 

[cyclopath]

The All Blacks just won 2 world cups....

In what?

 

[Gagger]

34 year old international fly half?

 

[Dumbledore]

Someone should go and have words to Kwade and Bieber about how you sign a contract with a little bit of class and the minimum amount of whoring.

 

[barbarian]

Someone should go and have words to Kwade and Bieber about how you sign a contract with a little bit of class and the minimum amount of whoring.

Thats a bit harsh. How is searching for the best option for your future 'whoring'? If you had to make a major decision in regards to your career wouldn't you investigate every available option before making the call?

 

[Dumbledore]

Thats a bit harsh. How is searching for the best option for your future 'whoring'? If you had to make a major decision in regards to your career wouldn't you investigate every available option before making the call?

Possibly. And don't get me wrong, I don't blame them for checking everything out, I just wish it wasn't all so public, especially with Cooper's management.

 

[barbarian]

Possibly. And don't get me wrong, I don't blame them for checking everything out, I just wish it wasn't all so public, especially with Cooper's management.

I would suggest that is more the fault of leaky state associations and hungry journos rather than JOC (James O'Connor)/KB (Kurtley Beale)/QC (Quade Cooper) or their management.

 

[matty_k]

You could level some blame at QC (Quade Cooper)'s management. He does a reputation.

 

[DPK]

Thats a bit harsh. How is searching for the best option for your future 'whoring'? If you had to make a major decision in regards to your career wouldn't you investigate every available option before making the call?

And focus on the task at hand, playing for your team?

 

[Ali's Choice]

I am absolutely ecstatic, for a number of reasons.

Firstly, as a Crusaders and All Blacks fan, it will be brilliant to have Dan Carter’s services till 2015. Carter is turning 30 next year, but he’s still easily the best first five in the world, and would waltz into anyone’s list of the top 5 players in the world. Cantabrians have been spoilt in the pro-era, with Daniel Carter taking over seamlessly from Andrew Merthens’ red and black no.10 jersey. Whilst I have faith that young Tyler Bleyendaal will one day take over Carter’s mantle, his time is still years away. The leadership, standards and example Carter sets for younger players on and off the field is priceless, and simply having him around the Crusader and All Black camps is a massive bonus for supporters of both teams. One of the greatest impacts of the so called ‘player drain’ to the Northern Hemisphere is the loss of the leadership and experience that senior players would have historically passed on to the next generation. By ensuring Carter plays out his career in NZ, the NZRU is ensuring that the next generation of young Kiwi players have the chance to learn from him, play with and against him and be mentored by him.

Secondly, I think the NZRU’s ability to retain Carter sends a very strong message to 2nd tier and fringe All Black players, who are all eyeing up big European and Japanese offers, and questioning whether it is worth staying in New Zealand. The NZRU has shown a degree of flexibility, and I commend them for it. They have shown that they are prepared to offer players lucrative Northern sabbaticals, and despite the criticism of this concept I commend the NZRU for this flexibility. But at the same time Dan Carter has made it quite clear today that the lure of the All Black jersey was a massive factor in him staying, and I have no doubt that this will resonate with younger All Blacks and uncapped players. Equally, I have no doubt that Carter staying will influence other players to stay in New Zealand so they can play alongside him. By turning his back on the big money offers abroad, Carter has set an example which I am sure some players will follow.

Moreover, I think Carter’s decision is a major positive for not only New Zealand rugby, but all the stakeholders in SANZAR. Supporters in all the SANZAR nations want to see the best players in action. Notwithstanding the Reds brilliant form, it is no coincidence that a new Australian Super Rugby attendance record will likely be set when Queensland play the Crusaders the weekend after next. Reds supporters obviously want to get behind their own in-form team, but they also want to see genuine superstars like Carter, McCaw, SBW and Thorn in action. The more world c lass stars we have playing in SANZAR, the stronger Rugby will be right across SANZAR, not just New Zealand.

In conclusion, this is great day for New Zealand Rugby. And whilst I readily concede that the NZRU has had to compromise to retain Carter, I applaud them for doing so. I have been a vocal critic of Steve Tew and the current board, but I believe in giving credit when it is due. The NZRU has done a great job securing Dan Carter’s signature, and New Zealand now has a world class first five around which to re-build their team post Rugby World Cup.

 

[jay-c]

congrats to him, many of the aussies could learn a lesson in humility from him