Rugby: Carter may be out for test, says Henry

Dan Carter's contract with Perpignan may exclude him from the All Blacks' first test against France next year. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks coach Graham Henry admits Dan Carter may not be used for the first test against France next year.

The All Blacks first five will return to New Zealand after the French season ends in June. The two tests against the French will be played at Carisbrook in Dunedin on Saturday June 13 and Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday June 20.

However if Carter's club side Perpignan goes all the way, All Blacks coach Graham Henry says they might give him a break before returning him to international duty.

He says the team he is playing in has to get into the semi-finals and finals and if that is the case, he is sure they will be flexible for Carter.

Henry says the All Blacks will have a game the week of the Air New Zealand Cup final for those players not involved in the final before they head to Hong Kong for the November 1 test against the Wallabies.

- NEWSTALK ZB