Dan Carter has opened up about his move to the Blues and taking a pay cut in order to get game time at an amateur club.

In a surprise move, Carter joined the Blues for Super Rugby Aotearoa, New Zealand’s maiden new domestic competition during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Carter’s choice of team shocked many, but none more than his former teammate and current Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.

‘It took a bit of convincing, to be honest, because I’m a Cantabrian through and through, and a staunch Crusader. But being able to do what I love again, and to be able to go home to my family each night was very attractive to me,’ Carter explained.

‘I told him [Robertson] that Leon [MacDonald] has talked me into helping out the Blues. He’s like, “WHAT!?” I then explained the reasons why and he said, “I totally understand”.’

Following the conclusion of Super Rugby Aotearoa, Carter proceeded to turn out for Southbridge, his boyhood club, and helped them win silverware immediately.

‘I thought I could just sneak down there, put on the blue and white hoops for Southbridge and get through a game. I didn’t mind that there was added attention around that game because it does amazing things for community rugby.

‘I’m probably the lowest-paid professional rugby player in New Zealand right now. It’s not about the money, though. It’s more about being able to enjoy being part of a team, enjoying the competitiveness and basically my love for the game.’

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