Ex All-Black McAlister calls time on 'one hell of a ride'

Paris - Former All-Black Luke McAlister, who spent the last seven seasons in the French Top 14, announced on Saturday that he was retiring at the age of 34.

"I have called it a day on my rugby career," McAlister wrote in an Instagram post. "It's been one hell of a ride, 17 years travelling the globe doing what I love."

McAlister could play fly half or centre.

For New Zealand he was in competition with Dan Carter for the No 10 shirt and started at centre in the 2007 World Cup. His yellow card in the quarter-final in Cardiff coincided with the start of France's match-winning second-half comeback.

After the World Cup, he moved to Sale in England but returned to New Zealand, and to the All Blacks, when he joined North Harbour and the Auckland Blues in 2009. But he fell out of international favour that year. He won 30 caps.

McAlister joined Toulouse in 2011. He moved to Toulon in 2017 but finished last season with a loan stint at Clermont.

McAlister won Super Rugby in 2003 with the Blues, three Southern Hemisphere Rugby Championships (2006, 2007 and 2009) with the All Blacks and a French title in 2012.

It’s a good time to let you all know that I have called it a day on my rugby career. It’s been one hell of a ride, 17 years travelling the globe doing what I love. I’m so grateful for the friendships that I’ve made as well as the endless memories. Theres been so many highs and lows along with a shit load of injuries. There’s been so much work put in over the years, that you guys don’t see as well as balancing my family life. Massive thanks to my family for your support over the years. I’ve had some tough times over my career and you guys have always been there by my side no matter what. My beautiful kids you’re the reason I breathe I love you two more than anything in this world. Thanks Amanda and Brooke for making trips over with them both, FaceTiming and including me in what’s going on when i can’t be around. Mum and dad, I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for you both so thank you for everything ??. My friends you know who you are, your unconditional love and support means everything to me. And lastly the fans you guys, thanks for your support over the years. I have and will always have time for you guys I would be nothing without you all and your support thanks so much. I’m proud of my career and what I’ve done in this beautiful sport now it’s time for the next chapter which is to move back to the best city in the world Toulouse ( a little biased ?? ). I will travel the world as a tourist and spend quality time with my beautiful family and friends as well as looking into my family business interests. Plus enjoying some social rugby 10s/7s tournaments around the world ??. Now you can follow my NEXT CHAPTER.???? Thanks again and god bless. P.s special mention to my ????????Skippy my og, Minnie mins, Poppy and Boston. ??

A post shared by Luke Mcalister (@mcalisterluke10) on Jun 30, 2018 at 2:29am PDT