Dan Carter's return to European rugby is off.
It was announced last month that the 36-year-old would be signing for Racing 92 as a medical joker. The move came following the unexpected retirement of South African out-half Pat Lambie due to concussion.
Carter had been playing for Kobelco Steelers. The Japanese Top League side was allowing the former All Black to make the move to France on a short-term deal.
However, in a statement released on Saturday evening, Racing confirmed that on medical grounds, Carter will not be allowed to play in France.
As part of routine medical checks prior to the approval of players’ licences, Racing 92 forwarded certain medical information to experts appointed by the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR). Their opinion was unanimous: Dan Carter will not be able to play rugby in France.
We are very disappointed of course but... the law is harsh but it is the law and we don't compromise players' health.
We wish Dan the best for the future, a future at the same level of his immense career.
It had been reported that Carter was set to earn between €25,000 and €35,000 a month.
Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
