All Black rugby star Carter to play for France's Perpignan

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

WELLINGTON (AFP) — All Black star flyhalf 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 said Friday 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 in a statement.

"I have done plenty of...