They say that rugby is the ultimate team sport, but if one man can sway a game it's All Black fly-half Dan Carter.

And this was reflected today in the outright market for the Heineken Cup. What has New Zealand's hottest talent got to do with Europe's hottest competition? Well, I'll tell you.

The announcement was made this morning that Carter will join French Top 14 side Perpignan on a six month 'sabbatical'.

He will link up with the French side in December, before returning to the All Black fold in June next year.

Carter, who has won numerous Super 14 titles with the Canterbury Crusaders, said: "Perpignan's qualification for the European Cup swayed my decision."

It's also swayed the bookies, as Perpignan's price to win the Heineken Cup was slashed from 40/1 to 18/1 by sportingbet this morning.