Dan Carter could require surgery on his ruptured Achilles tendon, making him a doubt for the Tri-Nations later this year.
Injured stand-off could require surgery
New Zealand stand-off Dan Carter will shortly find out whether he requires surgery on his ruptured Achilles tendon.
The 26-year-old suffered the injury in Perpignan's 13-13 draw with Stade Francais on Saturday, and will rule him out for six months and bring his time at the Catalan club to an end after only five games.
Carter was due complete a seven-month stint at Perpignan in June but the injury brought a premature end to his time in Europe.
The All-Blacks' medical team will now direct Carter's recovery, hoping to return him to match-fitness before New Zealand's Tri-Nations campaign in July.
Carter had not played for three weeks before the Catalans match against Stade Francais, being sidelined with a similar complaint.
But Perpignan president Paul Goze is adamant that he did not rush the Kiwi back into action too soon.
"I said to them that if it (his Achilles) hurt, it wasn't imperative he played, even if it was against Paris. At half-time, we again asked him and he replied that it didn't hurt," Goze said.
Disappointing
New Zealand manager Darren Shand has stated that they would ensure Carter will not return until he is completely ready.
"It's hugely disappointing for Dan. He was really enjoying playing in France," he said.
"He's getting fantastic support from the Perpignan team who have been really supportive and keeping us well briefed.
"As a general rule of thumb, players who suffer a severe Achilles injury are out of rugby for at least six months but it can be longer.
"Dan will return to rugby when he is ready and we will support him throughout his rehabilitation."
