Did Dan Carter really retire again? Kinda confusing this story that emerged on Sunday following a NZH article by Gregor Paul. It hasn't received nearly the amount of media attention, comment or international headlines it deserves and I think that's because, for most if not all of us, who knew he was still playing? To retire from something then technically you've got to be still doing it don't you? 

By definition retiring means stepping away, no longer doing what it is you're DOING. Not thinking of doing, not wanting to do, not planning on doing but actually fully participating in whatever it is you are DOING. And Dan, to the best of my knowledge, hasn't been playing. In fact I can't even remember the last game he played here in NZ. Unless all this is about him retiring from club rugby for Southbridge?

I thought, silly me, that DC retired after the 2015 RWC. Now I'm not in any way demeaning what Daniel has done these last seven years  but seriously, the man retired the moment he stopped wanting to be an All Black. These PR appearances and late career run-outs in France and Japan are just bubblegum in the glittering story of Carter's legacy. 

Honestly, if they weren't included on his Wikipedia page would anyone even know? DC, for me, is without peer. There is no #10 in world rugby  that compares. Carter was the King. Tactically, skill-wise, running, tackling, calmness under pressure, clutch performer, he had everything.

But the key thing about news is the first 3 letters of that word, i.e. NEW. And in this case I'm not sure it is. Dan Carter has retired. And if this IS for the final final time  then I genuinely wish him all the best. Without question the best 1st-5 rugby's  ever seen, head shoulders and that amazing left boot above the rest.