Carter keen on move to England

News: All Black Dan Carter has alerted Europe's top clubs by voicing his ambition to play in the English Premiership.

Carter, who has one year left on his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union, is considering joining the exodus of All Blacks heading for England.

A move overseas would make him ineligible for international selection, but the 25-year-old insists the pull of the English Premiership is strong. "I really enjoy playing over here - there are great crowds and great people," the Crusaders outhalf said.

"It's something I'm going to have to have a good think about as I consider where I want my career to head. But it's definitely on the cards for the future.

"I have got one year left and until then I will be making a decision on where I want my career to head."

A flood of big-name All Blacks have joined English clubs since the World Cup, including Chris Jack (Saracens), Luke McAlister (Sale), Carl Hayman (Newcastle) and Aaron Mauger (Leicester).

But should Carter succumb to one of the big-money contracts that are available at top teams such as Leicester and Gloucester, his signing would be the biggest coup of all.

Voted 2005 IRB player of the year on the back of a sensational series against the Lions, he has won 44 caps and is arguably the most valuable player in the game.

McAlister will make his Sale debut in tonight's English Premiership clash with Worcester. McAlister, a key player for New Zealand during their ill-fated World Cup, arrived at Edgeley Park last week.

The 24-year-old will start at outside centre against the Warriors. "Luke has trained with us all week and is looking good, so I have decided to go with him," Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre said.

Wales outhalf Stephen Jones has withdrawn from the squad for tomorrow's one-off Test against world champions South Africa after suffering a thigh injury. Jones will be replaced on the bench at the Millennium Stadium by Ceri Sweeney.

"Ceri has been given a chance, its unfortunate that we will not have Stephen's experience to rely on from the bench, but Ceri is a seasoned professional himself and will not let us down if called upon," said acting head coach Nigel Davies.

"He is probably the top kicker in Wales at the moment in terms of his accuracy and he can fit in at both flyhalf and centre. With 34 caps to his name he has been an integral part of the Wales squad for some time."