All Blacks star Carter set for 'European sabbatical'
All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter says he will have a European "sabbatical" later this year
Also In The News
|
Good, bad or just the same old, same old? What the fans made of the 2007/08 season. |  |
Tuesday, 03, Jun 2008 09:48
Fly-half Dan Carter is to be allowed to sign a temporary deal with an unnamed European club while remaining eligible for selection with New Zealand.
The number ten looks in line to agree a contract with a French team in the Top 14 after the All Blacks' autumn internationals in Europe later this year.
He is expected to play for around six months but because of a new deal he has signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) board he will remain eligible for the national team when he returns to his native land.
An NZRU ruling means players become ineligible for selection for the All Blacks if they ply their trade outside the country, but the selectors are keen to keep hold of Carter as he is regarded as the world's best stand-off.
And the player himself has admitted he is keen to remain in contention for the side in the build-up to the 2011 World Cup, which will be played on home soil.
"I have decided to re-sign with the New Zealand Rugby Union, ideally to 2011," he told Christchurch newspaper the Press.
"If selected I certainly want to be a part of a successful All Blacks World Cup campaign.
"I have made no final decision about the sabbatical and where I will be, but it should be resolved in the next fortnight or so."