Racing 92 club

Another calf injury prevented Carter from playing in the Top 14 last weekend.

The All Blacks great had only just returned from a month's absence the week before with critics suggesting he "lacked rhythm, accuracy and was very far from the flamboyant and precise starter that led the club to championship glory in 2016".

The 35-year-old has managed just three Top 14 games this season and Racing have already moved to bolster his position by signing Springboks star Pat Lambie.

The South African first five-eighth has been signed on a four-year contract, with the club announcing the deal on Tuesday night.

Lambie, 26, who has 56 caps for the Springboks - the last being in November, 2016, has been able to secure an early release from his contract with the Sharks Super Rugby side and will join the French side from November 1, subject to passing a medical.

"This world-class flyhalf is signed as an 'additional player' and his signature completes the Racing recruitment campaign," the club said in a statement on their website.

The 35-year-old Carter is in his final season of a record three-year deal with the glamour Paris club.

The former All Blacks star helped Racing 92 get away to a winning start to their new Top 14 campaign.

Cater kicked two conversions and two penalties as Racing came back to beat Castres Olympique 25-21 with Louis Dupichot scoring a late try for victory.

But Carter worked his magic wearing a No 12 jersey as Racing had French international Remi Tales at first-five.