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All Blacks legend Dan Carter has posted an update on his health on social media, six weeks after having surgery on his neck.
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The three-time World Player of the year was set to rejoin Racing 92 in March, but the move was canceled after he failed a medical due to a “cervical spine problem”.
He has subsequently had the surgery on his neck, as he seeks to return to Japanese outfit Kobelco Steelers later this year.
Still in a neck brace, the fly-half posted a video of himself doing ankle exercises, which is probably all he can do currently in a bid to return to fitness.
This is what he shared:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx9ahiKgm-P/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet
The 37-year-old wrote that it is “going to be a long road to recovery but I’m up for it”, which would be a hugely impressive feat if he does return to rugby.
At his age, and after achieving so much in rugby, some would say that it is an unnecessary risk to return to playing after a serious problem. Then again, this is perhaps an indication of the drive that the 112-cap All Black has had throughout his career which has led to him being regarded as one of the greatest players in history.
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In March the former World Cup-winning All Black first-five described his failed Racing 92 deal as a “blessing in disguise” as he inches closer to the end of his illustrious career.
He would have earned upwards of NZ$49,000 per month if he had passed the medical.
“I would have loved to have gone back to Racing and to have given Europe another crack but I wasn’t cleared to play, so it wasn’t to be,” he said.
“I wasn’t cleared to play, so it’s a blessing in disguise because I get to spend more time back here in New Zealand.
“I don’t have a lot of rugby in me but I’m still loving it and enjoying it, so I guess this long break has helped me to phase into life after rugby.”
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Regardless of whether Carter plays again or not, the rugby world will undoubtedly be glad to see the maestro on the road to recovery.
