New Zealand's World Cup-winning fly-half Dan Carter has revealed that he came close to quitting rugby union two years ago to make a move into American Football.
The 33-year-old was named the man of the match as New Zealand overcame their neighbours Australia at Twickenham to become the first nation to retain their world title last month.
However, in an extract from his upcoming autobiography, he reveals that he was offered the chance to join the New England Patriots in 2013 while in Boston trying to rekindle his love for rugby, and says that he was tempted to make the switch.
He wrote: "I was with a friend [who] is a sports agent and knew that I was a fan of the NFL, so he had arranged for the pair of us to tour the New England Patriots' facilities. The next thing I knew, a couple of scouts came out, and asked, 'Where are your boots?' They thought I was there to try out for the team!
"I was floored, and a little wistful. Part of me would have liked nothing more than to give it a shot but I had just torn my Achilles tendon, and was months away from being able to kick again.
"They looked downcast, as if they had been misinformed about the purpose of the meeting. It was all so surreal. We chatted with the scouts a little more, then they said, 'Mr [Robert] Kraft [the Patriots' owner] wants to meet with you.' I could not believe that this guy wanted to meet me.
"If I am honest, my interest was piqued a little. I do not think that any competitive athlete could walk into an environment like that, be received in that way, and not feel a desire to rise to the challenge."
Carter retired from international rugby after the World Cup triumph to bring to an end an All-Blacks career which lasted 12 years and saw him become the highest points scorer in Test history.
