Rugby: Carter heads home for dad duties

Dan Carter is awaiting the birth of his second child. Photo / Getty

Dan Carter has returned home from South Africa to attend the birth of his second child.

The 33-year-old will miss the Crusaders' clash with the Sharks in Durban, with Colin Slade set to wear the No10 jersey on Sunday morning (NZT). Carter was replaced in the travelling squad by 19-year-old midfielder Nathaniel Apa.

Carter is expected to return for next weekend's home match with the Highlanders as he seeks consistent form after missing two games earlier in the season with a leg injury.

Carter and wife Honor had their first child, a son named Marco, in March 2013.