Legendary All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter, Test rugby’s all-time leading points-scorer, has announced his retirement from the game.

The 38-year-old who was part of the Blues’ squad during last year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa tournament, but did not play in any matches for the Auckland-based franchise.

He won three Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders in 2005, 2006 and 2008 as well as the Top 14 during stints at Perpignan (2009) and Racing 92 (2016).

He also played for Kobelco Steelers in Japan’s Top League from 2018 to 2020 but rejoined Racing 92 on a temporary basis in 2019 as a medical joker.

Carter broke the news of his retirement via a Twitter post which said: I officially retire from professional rugby today. A sport I’ve played 32 years which has helped shape me into the person I am today.

“I can’t thank everyone who has played a part in my journey enough, particularly you, the fans. Rugby will always be a part of my life. Thank you.”

He made his international debut for New Zealand against Wales in Hamilton in 2003 and represented his country in 112 Tests. He retired from Test rugby after his country’s 2015 Rugby World Cup triumph in England after scoring 1,598 points.