Dan Carter sends message to fans as he eyes the one trophy that's eluded him

All Blacks legend Dan Carter took to Instagram after it was announced that he will be returning to Racing 92 for the rest of the season.

The 36-year-old was playing in Japan’s Top League Kobelco Steelers, but has rejoined the Parisian club, in which he left at the end of last season, as a medical joker for the recently retired Pat Lambie.

For a player that has won so many trophies and awards throughout his career, there is still one that has eluded him, the Champions Cup. He won the Top 14 with the ‘Ciel et Bleu’, but fell short on two occasions to win Europe’s top award. He lost to Saracens in the final in 2016, and missed last year’s final as his team were agonisingly pipped by Leinster. It looked as though he had missed his chance to bag another coveted trophy.

He has won multiple World Cups, multiple Super Rugby titles, has been crowned the World Player of the Year a record three times (level with Richie McCaw), and even won the Top League in Japan, but his recent post suggests there is still a hunger to achieve more.

This is not a cosy retirement plan for test rugby’s highest point scorer, he is obviously keen to add to his glittering career.

The two-time World Cup winner sent this message:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Excited to be joining my Ciel et Blanc brothers for the remainder of the Top 14 Season in France. I’m coming back mid season as a Medical Joker. It was very sad to hear about @patlambie_’s decision to retire as he has done so much for international rugby. Thank you to my family for their continued support, and thank you to @racing92 for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch! #rugby #top14 #sports #france

A post shared by Dan Carter (@dancarter_) on Feb 18, 2019 at 12:05am PST

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The best thing for Carter is that there is no better time for him to achieve his goal than this season. Racing are one of the firm favourites to lift the Champions Cup this season, and have a home quarter-final against Toulouse at the end of March. Very few would argue that they have the most scintillating attack in the competition, and while their defence is still slightly suspect, Carter will be a welcome addition in both departments.

The former Crusader also paid his respect to Lambie, highlighting what he has done for international rugby. The Springbok was forced to retire after successive concussions, and while this was obviously sad for Racing 92 and the rugby world, the club have recruited well.