New Zealand star Dan Carter has said that he is looking forward to an "awesome adventure" after confirming that he will join Racing Metro next year.
The 32-year-old Crusaders fly-half has signed a three-year deal with the French Top 14 outfit, which will go through upon the conclusion of the 2015 World Cup.
Discussing the move, Carter is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "It's going to be an awesome adventure for me and my family. Having visited France many times, including my time with Perpignan, I know what the French culture and their rugby culture is like and it's something I really love.
"But 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 it, firstly with the Crusaders and then hopefully with the All Blacks.
"My body is feeling really good, I'm training really hard and getting some good conditioning in so I can hit the ground running next year. I'm looking forward to getting out and playing some good footy."
Carter, who has made over 100 appearances for the All Blacks, remains the highest points-scorer in Test rugby history,
