All Blacks great Dan Carter is set to make a stunning return to New Zealand Rugby.
Sources tell Newshub that the 38-year-old has signed with the Blues for the upcoming Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.
The three-time World Rugby Player of the Year left New Zealand after playing a key role in the All Blacks' 2015 World Cup victory, appearing firstly for France's Racing 92, then Japan's Kobelco Steelers.
In 2018, Carter signed a two-year contract with the Steelers, leading them to the Top League title in his first season.
But with Japan's domestic season cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, his time in the country came to an abrupt end.
It's understood Carter will join the Blues squad on a short-term basis in a player-mentor role.
It's unclear where he'd play given All Blacks successor Beauden Barrett has also joined the team. But with fullback Stephen Perofeta on the shelf with a foot injury, there's a possibility he and Barrett could divide those duties.
A Christchurch native, Carter spent 12 seasons with the Crusaders, winning three Super Rugby titles, but has since resided in Auckland.
He made 112 appearances for New Zealand, amassing 1,598 points and becoming the highest points scorer in test match rugby.
