All Blacks great Dan Carter believes playing in Japan helped him rediscover his attacking mindset of a decade ago as he led Kobelco Steelers to their first Top League title since 2004 and was named the competition's most valuable player.
Widely considered one of the greatest flyhalves to play the game, Carter joined Kobelco this year following three seasons in France with Racing 92, having retired from international rugby after guiding New Zealand to their third Rugby World Cup title in 2015.
The 36-year-old helped Kobelco to a 55-5 victory over twice-defending champions Suntory Sungoliath in the final at the weekend and was then given the MVP accolade.
"It's a really proud moment for someone that has had such a long career and is getting to the end of that career," the three-times World Player of the Year told Kyodo News.
Carter said when his move to Japan was announced, even though he had been offered a new contract with Racing, that he wanted to be closer to New Zealand.
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Another attraction was that the seasons were shorter than those in Europe.
"I've really got my running game back to where it was probably 10 years ago," said Carter, who is the leading points scorer in international rugby with 1598 in 112 Tests.
"It's been a real strength of mine throughout my career, to have a real attacking mindset and be a threat with ball in hand and looking to attack space.
"I felt like I did that this season. I haven't played with that freedom for the last couple of years."
