Dan Carter will forever be remembered as one of the most complete rugby players to have ever graced the field. For many, he is considered the best in the world.
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The All Blacks legend’s career spanned 18 years, during which he played 112 Test matches for New Zealand and won two Rugby World Cups. He became the top international points scorer in Test rugby with 1,598 points and the most-capped All Blacks fly-half of all time. Carter retired from international rugby following New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup victory.
In 2011, Carter married Honor Carter (née Dillon), a former New Zealand hockey player who competed in 68 Tests between 2004 and 2011.
The couple has four sons: Marco, Fox, Rocco, and Cruz.
Carter has described his wife, a former Black Stick athlete, as a “superwoman, Mum and wife.” He expressed his deep appreciation for his family, saying: “My family is everything to me… my happiness and my greatest success.”
Having a partner who understood the demands of elite sports was clearly beneficial to their relationship. Carter explained, “The fact that she played hockey for New Zealand and was often travelling, she knew the demands that it took of being an international sportsperson: the sacrifice, the dedication that you have to make to play at the highest level.”
He continued, “She took a lot of weight off my shoulders because she knew, especially when we started having children and she actually had to give up work and sport to raise a family, whereas I was still playing, was still an All Black, still playing professionally.”
Carter acknowledged the sacrifices Honor made for their family: “She knew there were certain things I needed to be the best rugby player that I could. Things like, I’ve never actually woken up in the middle of the night to look after our children – she understood the importance of sleep and rest and recovery in order to be able to go to work each day.”
Discussing Honor’s decision to end her playing career to raise their family, he shared, “She sacrificed a lot but she knew what it took to play sport at the highest level and I’m really grateful that she was so understanding and had that knowledge and was really supportive of me continuing to chase my dreams when effectively she stopped hers to raise a family.”
Sir Ian McGeechan ranks the top 10 rugby wingers of all time, Bryan Habana seventh
Renowned British & Irish rugby icon and esteemed rugby commentator, Sir Ian McGeechan, offers his expert insight by curating a list of the top 10 most exceptional wingers in the history of the game.
10. Rory Underwood (England)
Underwood, a legendary figure in English rugby, dominated the sport with his blistering speed and remarkable try-scoring ability. As a winger for the English national team throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Underwood’s exploits on the field became the stuff of legend. His impressive career includes multiple Rugby World Cup appearances and a reputation as one of England’s most prolific try scorers, cementing his status as an icon of the game.
McGeechan wrote: “Maybe not quite as clever as some of the others but a lethal finisher who was exceptionally quick and very, very strong.”
9. Shane Williams (Wales)
Williams, a diminutive yet dynamic force in rugby, captivated fans worldwide with his exceptional skill and agility on the field. As one of Wales’ most beloved players, Williams’ career saw him redefine the role of the winger, weaving through defenses with unmatched flair and speed. With a plethora of accolades, including a Rugby World Cup appearance and numerous Six Nations triumphs, he remains a symbol of Welsh rugby excellence and a testament to the power of perseverance and talent.
McGeechan wrote: “Defied convention because he was so small, but he was powerful and sharp. Wales have not been the same attacking force since he finished. He could raise their game on his own.”
8. Ieuan Evans (Wales)
Former Welsh rugby union player Ieuan Evans is renowned for his electrifying pace and try-scoring prowess. A stalwart of the Welsh national team during the late 1980s and 1990s, Evans’ skillful play earned him numerous accolades, including captaincy of Wales. With a career spanning over a decade, he remains one of Wales’ most celebrated rugby icons, embodying precision, agility, and leadership on the field.
McGeechan wrote: “Always one of my favourites because of my experiences with him as a British and Irish Lion. Like all the Welsh wingers, he had such a good sidestep but could combine acceleration with that. He was a superb finisher, especially in tight situations.”