Dan Carter to quit All Blacks after World Cup

All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter confirmed Wednesday he will end his test career after next year's World Cup and join French club Racing Metro on a deal that could make him rugby's highest-paid player.

The most prolific scorer in world rugby with 1,455 points in 102 tests, announced his decision at a news conference to join what is expected to be an exodus of leading test players to European clubs after the World Cup.

On the same day, veteran Wallabies utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper announced he will join another French Top 14 side, Bordeaux-Begles, at the end of next year.

Carter's move has been anticipated for some time and British and New Zealand media have reported his deal could be worth up to US$1.8 million (HK$) per season.

"It's going to be an awesome adventure for me and my family," said the 32-year-old, who also plays for the Crusaders in Super Rugby.

"Having said that, it's the immediate future that is exciting me at the moment. [Next year] is going to be a big year and I'm looking forward to getting into it, firstly with the Crusaders and then hopefully with the All Blacks."

This season Carter became only the fifth New Zealand player to reach 100 caps, 11 years after his All Blacks debut. He was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2005, after leading the All Blacks to a 3-0 test series win over the British & Irish Lions, and again in 2012.