DAN CARTER HAS revealed that he will be leaving Racing 92 at the end of the season to link up with a club in Japan.

The former All Blacks out-half confirmed in an interview with the club that he will join Top League side the Kobelco Steelers, in order to be closer to his family in New Zealand.

Carter, who first joined Racing 92 in 2014, said:

It’s a little bit sad because the last couple of years here at Racing have been amazing, but for once, I’ve had to put my family first. It saddens me to think that I’ll be leaving Racing at the end of the year and taking up a contract to play in Japan.

“It’s sad to leave my Racing family but also an exciting opportunity for me. (It’s a) completely new challenge playing in a new competition and also the effects of being able to spend a lot more time back home in New Zealand with Japan being so much closer.

“Also, the Japanese season structure means I can get a lot more time at home close to family, which was a big part of the decision.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for me but it’s going to be hard leaving Racing which has so many great memories.”

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35-year-old Carter helped the French side to win a Top 14 title last year and although he is recovering from a knee injury at the moment, he is determined to make a return and achieve more success with Racing before he departs for Japan.

🏉 Entretien exclusif - @DanCarter va quitter le Racing 92, il nous explique son choix et dévoile sa destination ! 🔵⚪️ https://t.co/cPT6XsxNkB — Racing 92 (@racing92) November 25, 2017 Source: Racing 92 /Twitter

“I’m not finished here yet, I’ve still got the rest of the season to make sure that I continue to work hard and help contribute to Racing winning something.”

“I really want to finish the season strongly, it’s been a bit up and down the first half of the season, but we’re building as a team. I just want to finish the season well and hopefully contribute to Racing winning some more titles, both European and Top 14.”

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