Dan Carter to Stay with Canterbury
All Black Star to Remain with the Crusaders and Canterbury teams
Jul 8, 2009
Persistent rumours that Carter was to play his rugby in the future with the Auckland provincial team and play in the Super 14 for the Auckland Blues have been laid to rest.
Although he is born and bred in Canterbury, Carter’s partner, New Zealand hockey representative, Honor Dillon lives in Auckland.
Carter has houses in both regions and travels regularly between Christchurch and Auckland cities.
At a press conference, Carter said:
“The main reason I have stayed with Canterbury is because I am a born-and-bred Cantabrian -- it’s where I have lived all my life. I still have links to the region and my family is there, which is very important to me.”
Carter has re-signed with Canterbury through to the end of 2011, meaning he will be with Canterbury during the next World Cup year.
Dan Carter Fact File:
Age: 27
Weight: 91kg
Provincial Caps: 21
Provincial Points: 191 (9 tries, 37 conversions, 24 penalties)
Provincial Debut: 2002 versus Malborough
Super Rugby Caps: 69
Super Rugby Points: 925 (25 tries, 157 conversions, 157 penalties, 5 dropped goals)
Super Rugby Debut: 2003 versus Hurricanes
Relief for Canterbury Fans
The signing will come as a relief to Canterbury fans who feared losing their world-class first-five to the struggling Auckland Blues. The Blues, desperate to reverse their recent poor performances, were reported to be offering substantial amounts to snare Carter.
However, Carter said that money was not a major factor in his decision:
“The most important thing for me is happiness, and for me that’s the most important thing about playing in Christchurch”.
Carter is currently living in Auckland but said that the heavy travel schedule had not been a problem and that it did not affect his form for the Crusaders. He is undecided whether he will continue commuting between the two cities or take up permanent residence in Christchurch.
Representing Auckland Would Have Been Difficult
Carter said representing Canterbury’s arch-rivals would have been hard for him:
“It would have been very tough for me”, he said.
“I know it’s a professional sport and that sort of thing can happen with certain players, but for me that would have been very difficult”.
Carter is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, and it is not clear when he will make his first appearance in New Zealand this season.
Carter was not able to confirm rumours that he would make his comeback for his Southbridge club.
"Honestly, I have no idea when I will play. I would love to play for them [Southbridge], but I am not sure when I will be right.
"I just want to get the injury right", he said.
It now seems likely his first appearance will be for the Canterbury Provincial team.
