All Black star fly-half Dan Carter has decided to join French side Perpignan during a six-month release from his New Zealand contract.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) confirmed earlier this month that Carter would be given a special six month “sabbatical” to play in Europe, but most reports had linked him to Toulon, where former All Black captain Tana Umaga is coach.
Carter confirmed yesterday he had talked to Toulon, but said Perpignan’s involvement in next season’s European Cup had been the deciding factor.
“If I am going to play rugby in Europe I want to test myself against the best Europe can offer and I am excited about the challenges both the Top 14 and the European Cup will bring,” he said. “I have done plenty of research on both Toulon and Perpignan and whilst I have no doubt that I would have enjoyed Toulon, in the end, Perpignan’s qualification for next year’s European Cup swayed my decision.”
Greg Somerville this week became the 12th All Black from last year’s squad to be lured by the big money on offer in Europe, saying he would join English club Gloucester at the end of this year.
The NZRU has been desperate to keep the services of Carter and came up with a special deal allowing him to join a European club after the All Blacks tour to Britain and Ireland at the end of the year.
Carter will return to New Zealand in June to join the All Blacks for the start of their home season.
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