KEY POINTS:
All Blacks medical staff have swung into action following a season-ending injury to star first five-eighth Dan Carter, on a six-month sabbatical with French club Perpignan in the Heineken Cup and French Top 14 competitions.
All Blacks manager Darren Shand said today team doctor Deb Robinson and physiotherapist Peter Gallagher had already been in touch with Carter.
The 26-year-old five eighth, who was signed by Perpignan on a lucrative six-month deal worth a reported $88,000 a match, suffered an achilles tendon tear in Sunday's (NZT) 13-13 draw with Stade Francais.
"It's hugely disappointing for Dan. He was really enjoying playing in France. He's getting fantastic support from the Perpignan team who have been really supportive and keeping us well briefed," Shand said.
"Dan's now resting at home in Perpignan and it's probable that he will need surgery but a full assessment will be made over the next few days."
Perpignan spokesman Benoit Brazes described the injury as a partial tear of the achilles tendon, which meant Carter would be unavailable for around six months.
"It's a huge disappointment especially for him, for the club," Brazes said.
"Now we are going to do our best possible to get him healthy again. Our doctor will be in contact with the medical staff of the All Blacks to decide whether or not he will undergo surgery in France.
"At the moment he is in plaster and is at home. He underwent an examination on Sunday morning (in Paris) and returned with us by plane."
Shand said there was no deadline for Carter's return to rugby.
"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."
Carter's brief stay with the French side, which began in December, was plagued by injury and his time on the pitch amounted to just 361 playing minutes over five matches.
Carter will be hard-pressed to be fit for the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup contests which get underway on July 18 when the All Blacks face Australia in Auckland.
On Sunday, Carter, who landed two penalties and converted Maxime Mermoz's try in front of 80,000 people at the Stade de France, was making his return after a three-week absence because of an earlier Achilles tendon injury.
Coach Jacques Brunel paid tribute to Carter's performance.
"He was lively, challenging and worked well with the centres and set up the try with a well-judged kick. He is having more and more influence on the game and feels better and better in the team," Brunel said.
- NZPA
