Perpignan's Stade Aire Giral is bracing itself for one of its biggest ever occasions when arguably the world's greatest player, New Zealand outside half Dan Carter, makes his debut for the club in the fourth round of the Heineken Cup.
Perpignan's Stade Aire Giral is bracing itself for one of its biggest ever occasions when arguably the world's greatest player, New Zealand outside half Dan Carter, makes his debut for the club in the fourth round of the Heineken Cup.
Carter will launch his European career with a clash against Leicester Tigers in a game in which Perpignan will not only be seeking revenge for last weekend's defeat at Welford Road, but also the victory they need to keep alive their hopes of staying in the tournament.
Carter gave his first major interview ahead of his debut to Sky Sports and here are his views ahead of tomorrow's match - and of the lure of the Heineken Cup.
DAN ON THE LAST FEW DAYS
"It's been a whirlwind few days, from being with my family I guess (the All Blacks), to come into an environment where I have to start again. I feel like a little kid starting school, meeting new players, having to learn names, sorting out the house. Even simple things like buying groceries are not easy here but I'm really enjoying it, I love the place. I'll stick at it and hopefully it'll get easier.
DAN ON LEARNING FRENCH
"My French is s pretty basic. I have all greetings, but if I want to ask something specific it's tough. Luckily I've got some good people around me, people in the team who can translate for me, otherwise I'd just have to learn the hard way.
DAN ON CHOOSING TO PLAY FOR PERPIGAN
"I really wanted to carry on playing for the All Blacks, and only had the chance to play for 6-7 months. So, not that many French clubs were interested as I suppose I could've been more of a distraction than anything.
"But a couple of clubs were interested. Toulon were one of them and I had a lot of friends, Tana (Umaga) and Jerry (Collins), there. I didn't know much about Perpignan. I just looked on the internet; it's a down to earth lifestyle they have here on the beach, pretty relaxed, so that was a big influence for me. Also, I get immersed in French culture having to learn the language, because I don't really know anyone here, so I'm getting out of my comfort zone.
DAN ON PLAYING IN THE HEINEKN CUP
"The fact there are three games left in the Heineken Cup was a big draw card with Perpignan. The Heineken Cup is a tournament I've watched and admired from New Zealand. I wanted to play rugby at the highest level and, with the Heineken Cup, club rugby doesn't get any higher than that.
DAN ON TAKING A SABBATICAL FROM THE ALL BLACKS
"I guess I'll take a dummy run and let everyone know how it goes. Hopefully, I won't fall over! The All Blacks coaches made it clear that you can't just turn up, you've got to be worthy before getting a sabbatical in your contract.
"They were very helpful with my decision. They saw I needed a change and that I had a real drive to play over here. They thought it was a great idea. It was good to see the New Zealand rugby union think outside the square and make this possible because, potentially, I might have come here and played for a year or more as I really wanted a taste of northern hemisphere rugby.
"I'm re-signed with the New Zealand rugby union until 2011, so after this stint I'll go and play another two-and-a-half years back in NZ. But further down the line in my career, after 2011, who knows? Maybe I'll return to these shores or maybe the UK - I'm still not sure yet.
DAN ON THE LEICESTER TIGERS CHALLENGE
"Perpignan created a few opportunities last weekend, but didn't finish them off. And the Leicester forward pack really dominated. Perpignan hope to turn that round and make it easier for us backs, so a few things we're working on should counter that and hopefully we can turn the scoreboard round this week.
DAN ON OPPOSITE NUMBER TOBY FLOOD
"I'd only seen him before last weekend's game at international level, but the way he played and directed play last week was worthy of an England cap. If he performs like that then I can see why he's the England No 10. I thought he played extremely well so I will be wary of him this week."
DAN ON THE PERPIGAN FANS AND PLAYERS
"The fans are very passionate about their rugby and that's something I'll really enjoy. It is going to take a few weeks to settle in with the team. There are a lot of new calls to learn and they do things very differently here. I'm here to learn, so I'll sit back and watch the guys. Then, when the time is right and I've picked up some French, I'll give some advice and share my experience. I hope I can become a bit more of a leader like I am with the All Blacks."
