New Zealand outhalf Dan Carter will not be rushed back into action upon his return from a serious Achilles tendon injury he sustained while playing for Perpignan, the New Zealand Rugby Union said today.

Carter limped off the field on Saturday in the final seconds of a French championship game against Stade Francais, just after scoring a penalty which helped Perpignan secure a 13-13 draw.

His club later confirmed he had suffered a partial rupture of the Achilles tendon and is likely to be out of action for six months.

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said they would be monitoring Carter's recovery and would not be rushing the outhalf back into action.

"It's hugely disappointing for Dan. He was really enjoying playing in France," All Blacks manager Darren Shand said in a statement.

"Dan's now resting at home in Perpignan and it's probable that he will need surgery but a full assessment will be made over the next few days.

"As a general rule of thumb, players who suffer a severe Achilles injury are out of rugby for at least six months but it can be longer.

"Dan will return to rugby when he is ready and we will support him throughout his rehabilitation."

Carter joined the French club in December on a sabbatical until the end of the European season.

Carter had been granted a six-month sabbatical from his NZRU contract to play in France, missing the 2009 Super 14 season before he returned for the All Blacks' domestic international programme.

New Zealand play France on June 13th and 20th and Italy on June 27 before they begin the defence of the Tri-Nations against Australia in Auckland on July 18th.