No go.

Dan Carter has denied reports that he will return to Super Rugby next year with Dunedin-based franchise the Highlanders. The former All Blacks outhalf recently left French giants Racing 92 to take up a two-year deal with Japanese outfit Kobelco Steelers.

But with Carter being close friends with Highlanders boss Aaron Mauger, and the club seeking a ten following the departure of Lima Sopoaga, reports have suggested he might sign on for the 2019 season once the Top League in Japan has finished up.

Carter however, isn’t sure where the reports have come from – and would rather spend some more time with his family than commit to another Super Rugby season.

“I’m not sure where that came from,” Carter told Stuff.

“I hadn’t actually thought about it. Hayden Parker, he’s in the same team as me, we were away on camp, and he read something about me going down there and that was the first I’d heard about it.

“I think I’d prefer after the Japanese season to spend a bit of time with my family, rather than play another Super Rugby season.”