Dan Carter hailed as an 'icon' and one of the greats after announcing retirement

Dan Carter hailed as an 'icon' and one of the greats after announcing retirement
There was a wave of tributes to legendary fly-half Dan Carter after the All Blacks great announced his retirement on Saturday.
 
 

Dan Carter was hailed as "one of the best to have ever played the game" who has "amazed for almost two decades" after the New Zealand legend announced his retirement.

Mercurial fly-half Carter confirmed on Saturday that his incredible career is over at the age of 38.

The All Blacks great won the Rugby World Cup twice and is the record points-scorer in Tests with 1,598, while he was named World Rugby Player of the Year a joint-record three times.

Carter claimed three Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders, while he also won honours with Perpignan, Racing 92 and Kobelco Steelers.

He tweeted: "I officially retire from professional rugby today. A sport I've played 32 years which has helped shape me into the person I am today.


"I can't thank everyone who has played a part in my journey enough, particularly you, the fans. Rugby will always be a part of my life. Thank you."

The All Blacks paid tribute to Carter on social media, posting: "Thank you @dancarter_. You have amazed us for almost two decades with your deeds on the field.


"Now it's time to put your feet up and enjoy the next chapter. #Icon."

The world governing body also expressed its gratitude to the number 10.

A post from the World Rugby account said: "A two-times @rugbyworldcup winner and one of the best to have ever played the game. Thank you for everything you have given to our sport, @DanCarter."

Former South Africa wing Bryan Habana simply wrote: "Congrats on an incredible career @DanCarter !!"

A tweet from the Springboks account read: "Congratulations on a stellar career @DanCarter and good luck with the next chapter. You'll always be welcome for a braai here in South Africa!"

Former referee Nigel Owens posted: "You will be remembered as one of the greatest ever, but more importantly, not just on the field but off it as well.

"A true gentleman. It was always a pleasure and privilege. Best wishes for the future."

BT Sport commentator Nick Mullins paid tribute to Carter tweeting: "Dan Carter’s retired. Shaped the sport like few others. Not sure how you define “the greatest”, but he may well have been."

Here are more of our favourites from Twitter:










 

     
   
     
   
          

 
 
 
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A post shared by Dan Carter (@dancarter_)



 
 


 
 



 
 
 
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A post shared by Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby)


       
       
     
       
       
       
     
       
                                  
       
       
     
       
       
       
     
       
                                  
       
       
     
       
       
       
     
       
                                  
       
       
     
       
       
       
     
       
                                  
       
       
     
       
       
       
     
       
                                  
       
       
     
       
       
       
     
       
                                  




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