Carter confident of return after injury

Injured All Black Dan Carter spoke about the achilles tendon damage today which will keep him out of rugby for at least six months.

The 26 year-old Carter admitted he was “absolutely gutted” after suffering the injury in the 79th minute of his team's 13-13 draw against Stade Français in Paris last Saturday. The injury could mean he misses several of New Zealand’s Tri-Nations internationals later this year.

Carter, who is currently on a sabbatical from New Zealand rugby at French club Perpignan, will also finish his intended six-month club career in France having played just five matches for the Catalan-based club.

“It was the last play of the game," said Carter, the veteran of 58 Tests for the Kiwis. "I just tried to push off my foot when suddenly it felt like somebody had kicked me in the Achilles...

“As it turns out it was actually a partial tear of my Achilles and I will return to Paris on Thursday for surgery. I will spend a few days there after my operation and we'll see afterwards where I will do the majority of my rehab. I wouldn't wish an injury, or this one in particular, on anybody.

“It's a real bugger; as all injuries are but I'm confident I can make a full recovery and be back playing some good rugby for the All Blacks in a few months' time.”

Carter had accepted a role as ambassador to the Cape Town Tens tournament and was due to fly out this week for a few days of sunshine in South Africa.

“One of my first thoughts was, 'What about the Cape Town Tens?', and I sent a text from hospital telling them I had hurt myself.

“Injuries happen in rugby but I'm absolutely gutted that this injury has ruled me out of a trip to Cape Town.

“I was really looking forward to some sunshine and enjoying the city from a social point of view for once. Next year I'll be back in New Zealand and no doubt preparing for the Super 14 with the Crusaders, but I will make an attempt to get out to the Cape Town Tens one day”.