Carter to miss Leicester clash

(GETTY IMAGES)

New Zealand star Dan Carter's commercial obligations mean he will be in the stands when new side Perpignan take on Leicester in the Heineken Cup this weekend.

The All Blacks fly-half has signed a seven-month contract with the French club, starting from the beginning of December, but USAP fans will have to wait another week to see Carter in action.

He penned a deal with sportswear firm Adidas at the start of the autumn, and must fulfil engagements in Milan tomorrow and Thursday.

He will therefore not be in Perpignan's line-up for Saturday's Pool Three fixture at Welford Road and will only link up with his new team-mates that day in Leicester, meaning he will watch the match from the stands.

"Dan's commitment with Adidas was known about a while ago," said Benoit Brazes, USAP's director of communications.

"As our three fly-halves are all injured, we tried to make him return on Wednesday evening so that he could train with us on Thursday and play on Saturday. But that has not been possible.

"The only solution was that of a squad training session in Leicester on Friday, 24 hours before the match.

"He may be the best player in the world, but you have to understand that is too short a time."

Carter will fly back to France with the rest of the Perpignan squad after the game and is expected to start in the return match between the two teams the following weekend.