Daniel Carter will announce his rugby playing future early in the All Blacks' campaign.
Named man of the match in last night's 20-12 Super 14 final defeat of the New South Wales Waratahs in Christ last night, Crusaders star Carter said he was keen to put ongoing speculationover his 2009 plans to rest.
The issue has bubbled away throughout the Crusaders' season, with countless media reports stating that he will join wealthy French club Toulon in January on a six-month "sabbatical" before returning for All Blacks duty.
Reports say Carter would only join Toulon if they won promotion from the French second division to the elite Top-14 competition. The star-studded club coached by former All Black Tana Umaga achieved that last weekend.
The 26-year-old has been tight-lipped for months and that continued after last night's final although he admitted it was nearing time to finalise his plans.
"That's something I've put on hold for the last couple of weeks to concentrate on the playoffs," Carter said.
"Now I can go back and look at my options again but there's still no change.
"In the next couple of weeks I'd like to put it all behind me and make a decision."
He was to join the All Blacks in Wellington today as they prepare for three consecutive tests, starting with Ireland this weekend.
Carter was at his influential best last night, landing four penalties and a dropped goal for 15 points while also dictating play with some quality long and tactical kicking.
The comments of Crusaders coach Robbie Deans suggested the Crusaders would have to get by without the brilliant playmaker next season.
"There are some good men here who will keep it going, hopefully they'll be here," said a smiling Deans as he put his arm around Carter at the press conference table.
The development of inside backs Stephen Brett and Tim Bateman while Carter spent five weeks recovering from an ankle injury gave Deans reason to believe the franchise was in good heart.
"DC was out for a large part of the year and it rumbled on. There's a new generation of players who started this year and will go on and serve the Crusaders really well."
Photos: Super 14 final