All Blacks legend Dan Carter has admitted he still “feels sick” when reflecting on his drink-driving offence in France in 2017, an incident he says will stay with him for the rest of his life.
The former New Zealand fly-half was banned from driving for five months after being caught intoxicated behind the wheel in Paris while playing club rugby for Racing 92. Carter was stopped by police in February 2017 and later fined €1,000 after recording a blood alcohol level close to twice the French legal limit.
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Although the punishment was relatively light under French law, Carter has since admitted the incident had a profound personal impact and that he was fortunate no one was hurt.
“It’s not about the punishment that the judge gives you or the fine or anything like that, it’s actually the potential consequences that really hit home for you,” Carter told New Zealand’s Radio Sport.
“It actually made me feel sick and it makes me feel sick now, thinking and talking about it.”
The two-time World Cup winner acknowledged at the time that he had made a “massive error of judgement” and apologised publicly. The incident also saw him lose a major sponsorship deal, with Land Rover cutting ties due to their zero-tolerance stance on drink-driving.
Carter later appeared in a Paris court, where he received a fine and points on his licence but avoided a custodial sentence. Under French law, he could have faced a much harsher penalty.
Reflecting on the episode, Carter admitted it was a difficult period for both himself and his family.
“It was a really challenging time for me and my family, I felt like I let a lot of people down, but people make mistakes in their life. The most important thing is that you learn from it.
“Much as I’d love to say I’ve moved on from it, it’s something I’m going to have to live with for the rest of my life.”
EDITORS PICKS:
Only one rugby player in history has a bigger net worth than Dan Carter
Whether through World Cup glory, club success, or post-retirement ventures, the richest rugby union players demonstrate that the sport can be financially rewarding — if not quite billionaire-level.
Here, we rank the Top 6 richest rugby union players in the world in 2025, ordered from 6 to 1, highlighting both their net worth in pounds (£) and the achievements that helped them earn it.
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6️⃣ Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Estimated Net Worth: £12–14 million
Bio: Widely regarded as the greatest openside flanker of all time, McCaw captained the All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup victories (2011, 2015). Known for his leadership, work ethic, and tactical intelligence.
Key Points:
Two-time Rugby World Cup winner (2011, 2015)
Long All Blacks career with record appearances
Sponsorships with major brands (Adidas, aviation)
Post-retirement speaking engagements and business ventures
5️⃣ Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Estimated Net Worth: £13–15 million
Bio: Ireland’s most capped player and one of the finest centres in rugby history. O’Driscoll led Ireland and the British & Irish Lions to numerous successes and transitioned into media work after retirement.
Key Points:
Ireland and British & Irish Lions captain
Successful broadcasting career (punditry with BT Sport)
Brand ambassador for multiple companies
Post-retirement business roles
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