All Blacks legend Carter to join Wilkinson, O'Driscoll in Hall of Fame

Dan Carter is to be inducted into the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Jonny Wilkinson and Brian O’Driscoll.

The legendary former New Zealand fly-half lifted the World Cup after victory over Australia in the final at Twickenham in 2015, before announcing his retirement from the international game.

Injury had ruled Carter out of the All Blacks‘ triumph on home soil four years prior, but glory alongside the likes of Richie McCaw and Ma’a Nonu was a fitting way to end a glittering New Zealand career.

And on Monday it was announced that Test rugby’s all-time leading points-scorer would be inducted into the RPA Hall of Fame in a ceremony in May.

“I’m honoured to be inducted into the RPA Hall of Fame alongside some true icons of the game,” said the Racing 92 number 10.

“Rugby is the ultimate team sport but to receive an accolade of this kind is both humbling and very satisfying.

“I’ve worked extremely hard throughout my career so to be recognised by my peers in this way makes me feel immensely proud.”

Meanwhile, Carter expressed his satisfaction after he and Racing team-mates Joe Rokocoko and Juan Imhoff were definitively cleared of doping charges by the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD).

The trio had originally been investigated after allegedly testing positive for corticosteroids following the 2016 Top 14 final, and were cleared of any wrongdoing by the French Rugby Federation in October.

“It’s been a frustrating process but satisfying to finally get the final clearance from the AFLD. It has been difficult having my integrity questioned so thank you for all the support,” Carter posted on Instagram.

 

It’s been a frustrating process but satisfying to finally get the final clearance from the AFLD. It has been difficult having my integrity questioned so thank you for all the support.

A post shared by Dan Carter (@dancarter_) on Apr 3, 2017 at 5:00am PDT