**New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter is set to return from a ruptured Achilles tendon in a club game on Saturday.**Carter was injured in February during his stint with French club Perpignan.
But he will play for Southbridge against Hornby in Christchurch having gained the all-clear after a training session with the Canterbury squad.
“I’m really happy with where my training is at following my injury, I’m confident that I’m ready to go,” said the 27-year-old.
“I’ve done a lot of running in the past few weeks and speed work and contact work this week.”
If Carter comes through his club game he is likely to be considered for Canterbury’s opening Air New Zealand Cup game against North Harbour on 1 August.
606: DEBATE
“How much have New Zealand missed Carter and are you looking forward to his return”
David O, BBC Sport
Depending on form and fitness, he could also possibly force his way back into All Blacks contention for their Tri Nations matches against South Africa and Australia in September.
Although coach Graham Henry has refused to comment on the prospect, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw would not rule it out.
“I guess it’s a possibility because we go right through until late September,” said McCaw. "Whether that’s the right thing for him or not is up to the coaches to decide.
“If he is ready to come back in, it would be a bonus, but you wouldn’t want to put him back in here if he wasn’t ready.”