Carter is likely to miss next year's Super 14 competition

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter is yet to decide where he will spend his six month sabbatical but admits French side Toulon is a likely destination.

Carter has signed a new deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union until 2011, but will have a stint in Europe after the All Blacks' November tour.

That spell could be with newly-promoted Toulon, who are managed by former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga.

"They've got real support there in Toulon which excites me," said Carter.

"I had a good chat with Tana.

If I wasn't having a sabbatical I wouldn't have a rest, I'd be playing Super 14, so that's why I'm looking at the options overseas Dan Carter

"He was extremely honest about the club and the city. It was really good to get the opinion of a player that I know and respect. It'll help when I'm deciding where to go.

"He was extremely positive. He's trying to make a few changes in the club which is good.

"They have gone up to the first division and he's extremely happy about that.

"The standard of play, refereeing will go up a notch - it's all pretty positive."

Carter's signing comes hot on the heels of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw's decision to sign a new four-year deal with the NZRU.

McCaw also has a sabbatical option in his contract, which he said he was not planning to exercise in the near future, and has suggested he may take the option to rest rather than take up a lucrative overseas contract.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Carter's sabbatical

Carter, however, is likely to play on the All Blacks' autumn tour of Britain before heading to France for six months and then returning to New Zealand in time for next year's June Tests, missing the entire 2009 Super 14 season.

"I'm looking to play," he added. "I'm only 26, my body's in good shape.

"I love playing the game and if I wasn't having a sabbatical I wouldn't have a rest, I'd be playing Super 14, so that's why I'm looking at the options overseas."