 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |
That same season the Welsh outside half James Hook played for the Ospreys against the French outfit. He has since signed for Perpignan for next season.
"I still keep a close eye on the Perpignan results. I was really impressed with the Heineken Cup during my time in France, especially with all the support," said Carter.
"Unfortunately we didn't make the quarter-finals, but I experienced the play-offs from the stands and watched the 2009 final at Murrayfield that year. The Heineken Cup is just a great competition that enjoys such great support. The fans really drive the players on. Speaking to some of the guys who play in Europe they say it is the competition that drives them.
"The quarter-final against Toulon is going to be a huge occasion for the Catalan community. To have the game in Barcelona is fantastic for both the Catalonian people and the players. Hopefully, they will get a huge crowd there and it will be a great game."
Hook has a weekend to kill on 9/10 April having seen the Ospreys fail to reach the last eight for the first time in four years.
He will be roaring on his new team-mates and hoping they can go all the way.
"It was a big disappointment for everyone at the Ospreys when we failed to reach the Heineken Cup quarter-finals. It is the tournament that everyone wants to win in Europe," admitted Hook.
"But at least I still have a team to follow with real interest in the last eight as Perpignan have made it through. It is going to be a very big move for me next season but I'm really looking forward to the challenge of playing for one of the biggest, most famous teams in France and testing myself against the very best week in week out.
"Perpignan's performances in the Heineken Cup this season have shown what a strong side they can be, beating Leicester at home and drawing with them away. Now they have got what they always wanted - a home quarter-final tie to take to Barcelona.
"What an incredible experience it is going to be playing at the Olympic Stadium for the players and fans. I fully understand the significance of taking the game to Barcelona because of the strong connection between Perpignan and the Catalonia region.
"Perpignan is the capital of the French region of Catalonia and the support they will get in Barcelona will be amazing. It is the sort of experience I hope to help them repeat when I join next season.
"Coming from Wales, I certainly know about the importance of national identity and the pride that comes with being part of a strong community. I'll definitely be shouting for my new team-mates and hoping I can meet up with them all at the Millennium Stadium when the Heineken Cup final is played in Cardiff on 21 May."
