News

Perpignan welcome Monsieur Carter

September 23 2008

All Blacks star Dan Carter has arrived in Europe to a rousing welcome from his new French club Perpignan but has been quick to play down expectations that one player can turn the club's fortunes around.

Carter, who was welcomed by Perpignan club president Paul Goze and coach Jacques Brunel, said he was delighted to be in town at his official presentation to several thousand fans at the Stade Aime Giral.

The 26-year-old, who has a six-month contract with the French Top 14 side from December 1, arrived from Barcelona, where he had flown in the previous day following a gruelling 26-hour trip from Wellington via Hong Kong and London.

"To walk out to that reception was very humbling, overwhelming," Carter told AAP.

"It was quite surreal, really. I feel a lot about the support that USAP (Perpignan) team have here. I've only been here 24 hours, Perpignan has a great feel, it's a very relaxed environment.

"I know the guys of the USAP team now, so I feel a lot more comfortable."

Expectations will be running high, however, with the club not having won the French league title since 1955.

"It's well overdue," said Carter.

"But the coach and the team both know that it's not one person that's gonna win something. I am neither Maradona nor a rock star.

"It's how I fit into the team.

"But we'll be doing everything we can so that I can slot into the side, and from there I'll be playing solely for the team, and if we go on with confidence, everything is possible."

Looking at the possibility of having to cope with added pressure on his shoulders Carter said it was just something he's got to deal with.

"Playing Test matches in New Zealand there's similar expectation, to go out there and having to win every game," he said.

"My personal expectations, standards that I have for myself, are the most important thing. I'll be looking to continue that here with USAP, striving to be the best player that I can be."

Carter also explained why he had chosen Perpignan.

"With my short-term contract, only a couple of clubs were interested," he said.

"Toulon and Perpignan were right up there. I really enjoy the French culture and lifestyle, also there's hardly any Kiwis playing here at USAP, whereas at Toulon I would probably have just hung out with the Kiwi guys.

"Also there was the fact that Perpignan plays the Heineken Cup, a competition that I watched and admired, and always wanted to be a part of.

"I've played in the same competitions for six years now, Super 14 and Tri-Nations, so I really wanted to challenge myself and I guess over here you play a very different style of rugby, and personally I want to broaden my rugby capabilities and adapting to different situations, and hopefully I'll become a better rugby player because of that."

Carter, with 53 All Black caps to his name, said he could still learn at this stage of his career and hopes to push Perpignan up from their current second place in the French Top 14 championship following four wins in five matches.

"I'm gonna have to learn about the French style, but obviously it's very forward-orientated and then playing running also," he said.

"I'm sure USAP team will have a game-plan and a certain style of playing, it's just a matter or bringing my skills in implementing their game plan rather than coming here and trying to change the world."

He stressed he also hoped to don the All Blacks colours again.

After his sabbatical, Carter will return to New Zealand in time for the 2009 Tri-Nations.

"It's a tough one because I still want to be able to play for the All Blacks," said Carter.

"I still have goals and aspirations in the Black jersey. And to come and play for longer (in France), I would have had to give that up.

"But if it's successful and I enjoy my time here, when I come off contract with NZRFU, who knows? I might look to come back but that's the opportunity I've got now, seven months.

"So I won't worry too much about the future further down the tracks.

"I'm very grateful for NZRFU to provide this opportunity. It's a one-off opportunity. So it's a matter of making the most of it, and of the three years' contract that I have left with NZRFU."

Carter will be available to make his debut for Perpignan in their Heineken Cup clash against Leicester on December 6. His first home match for Perpignan will be on December 14.

The club shop has been quick to cash in on Carter-mania. More than 2000 Dan Carter jerseys, Dan Carter teddy bears and Dan Carter baseball caps were sold the day he arrived.