TRANSFER NEWS | All Blacks legend Dan Carter says goodbye to Japan

Rugby News

by Steven Smith

Saturday, 18 April 2020 at 07:12

bySteven Smith

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Three-time world player of the year Dan Carter announced on Saturday he is leaving his Japanese club Kobe Steelers, but the 38-year-old gave no indication whether his illustrious career is over.

"I've gone a bit quiet since the JRU announced they are cancelling all their competitions this season," Carter said.

"I know it's the right decision with what the world is going through at the moment but I would have loved to try help my @kobelcosteelers_official family win another top league, and I'm gutted I can't do this.

"I want to thank the club, fans and my team mates for welcoming me and making the last two seasons some of the most enjoyable rugby I have ever played."

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He made no mention of his next move, leaving open the possibility he may play one more domestic season in New Zealand where is he waiting out the pandemic with his family.

Carter played the first of his 112 Tests for the All Blacks in 2003, scored a record 1 598 points during his international career and was the world player of the year in 2005, 2012 and 2015.

Top 5 On-Field Fights of the Six Nations Era

Is there anyone who doesn't like a bit of good old-fashioned, '70s-style on-field brawling?

Hell, even the players involved seem to enjoy it. They certainly didn't hesitate to get stuck in.

So here's a roundup of the best on-pitch fights of the Six Nations era. Enjoy.

1. France v Italy, 2014

Referee shows two players, Italy's Michele Rizzo & France's Rabah Slimani, red cards for foul play as France takes on Italy in the 2nd round clash of the RBS 6 Nations Championship from the Stade de France.

2. Wales v Ireland, 2005

Paul O'Connell unleashes the beast within & unloads the ground and pound on Wales' Robert Sidoli. The nearest thing you will see to UFC on a rugby pitch.

3. Scotland v England, 2018

Scotland recorded a famous 25-13 win over England when the match eventually got underway but the rivalry had boiled over even before kick-off.

As both sides exited the pitch from their warm-up session, players from both sides got involved in a scuffle at the entrance to the tunnel, with the BBC reporting that both Owen Farrell and Scotland captain John Barclay had been involved before the teams were separated.

4. Ireland v England, 2013

Tempers flare during the 1st half of the Ireland v England rugby clash, which took place at The Aviva Stadium on Sunday, February 10th 2013 in the RBS 6 Nations Championship. England won the clash 12-6.

5. England vs Wales, 2018

Referee Jerome Garces had initially stopped the game for a penalty against England because Dylan Hartley had been caught offside. But fly-half Owen Farrell appeared unhappy with something Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies had said and the two clashed on the ground, triggering a fight that included almost every player on the field.

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