Carter goes French

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter has signed for French side Perpignan on a six-month deal and will begin playing in December.

The 26-year-old, widely recognised as the best number 10 in the game, will join up with his team-mates at the conclusion of the All Blacks' northern hemisphere tour.

Players plying their trade outside New Zealand are excluded from selection for the national side, but Carter has been handed a sabbatical by the New Zealand authorities as they look set to lose a number of their top stars to the European leagues.

The Crusaders star will miss the 2009 Super 14 season but will return to play for the All Blacks in June and he was grateful for being given the opportunity to play elsewhere before returning to challenge for the coveted All Black shirt.

"I would like to thank the NZRU for offering me this unique opportunity," he said.

"The All Black jersey is no-one's by right and I fully appreciate that I will have to continue to play well and prove myself if I am to be involved with the All Blacks next year and beyond.

"The 2011 Rugby World Cup is going to be a phenomenal event and my priority has always been to be available to take part in that."