New Zealand legend Dan Carter teases rugby comeback in mysterious video update

Rugby fans worldwide are dreaming of a Dan Carter comeback after the former New Zealand playmaker hinted he’s on the way back to the field in a recent social media update.

Not even a year has passed since Carter hung up his boots this past February, but it’s possible the three-time World Rugby Player of the Year is already getting itchy feet.

The 39-year-old boasts more than one million Instagram followers and recently took to the app as a means of educating his fans on how to take the perfect banana kick.

But the tutorial came after he took the opportunity to set minds racing with mention of “a little comeback,” although the details regarding this return remain vague for the time being.

The All Blacks legend also played in France and Japan before heading for the exit earlier this year, but his departure from the sport may prove short-lived after all:

“Kia ora whanau [a traditional Maori greeting],” Carter said to his subscribers as he appeared on camera.

“I’ve just finished a kicking session.

"I’m in the middle of training for a little comeback on the rugby field actually. In exactly what capacity, I can’t really say too much at the moment.”

Carter returned from a two-season stint with Japanese outfit Kobelco Kobe Steelers in 2020 to join Auckland’s Blues for the Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign.

Whom do you rate as the greatest All Black of all time? Let us know in the comments section.

The Blues recruited Carter as cover at fly-half, but a persisting calf injury meant the stand-in himself was unable to make an appearance for the Super Rugby franchise.

As for what this next move could mean for one of the most recognisable faces to ever play the sport, Carter may have a number of options in front of him.

The 112-cap veteran’s announcement has come suspiciously soon after plans were announced for a new World 12s competition, which is hoping to launch in August 2022.

Former New Zealand coach and World Cup -winner Steve Hansen — who was part of the All Blacks setup for effectively all of Carter’s international career — is an ambassador for the 12-a-side competition.

He was also heavily rumoured to be on his way to Major League Rugby in the United States prior to calling time on his career.

Another option is that the highest scorer in Test history — Carter’s 1,598 points is 352 more than his nearest rival, Jonny Wilkinson — was referring to a return for his province, Canterbury.

The back hasn’t represented his region since 2014, with Canterbury currently midway through this year’s National Provincial Championship (NPC).

Looking back even further into his roots, the kicking wizard might have been hinting at a comeback for boyhood club Southbridge, whom he played for as recently as 2020.

Carter proceeded to show his followers he’s still got the goods by executing his banana kick with aplomb, bending the ball over using the outside of his boot while facing the posts side-on.

There aren’t many teams out there who wouldn’t have something to gain from one of rugby’s most cherished stars, who has left his fans waiting with bated breath as to what’s in store next.

Source: Read Full Article