New Zealand legend Dan Carter has played down claims that he could feature at the World Cup later this year. The 37-year-old hasn’t played international rugby with the All Blacks since the 2015 World Cup final and he isn’t currently contracted to New Zealand Rugby.
But Damian McKenzie’s season-ending injury has seen Carter linked with a shock return to the international stage ahead of the World Cup in Japan. The fly-half is currently contracted to Kobelco Steelers and insists his main focus is on getting fit for the Japanese outfit after undergoing surgery on his back.
“I was having a laugh at that when I heard my name being thrown around,” Carter told Fairfax Media on Wednesday after receiving the New Zealand Order of Merit in Auckland. “I think I can start contact training again in October. So I might be right for the semi-final or final. The first tackle in a big game like that would be quite entertaining. “My focus is on recovering from this with the hope of finishing off my contract in Japan.”
