British and Irish Lions

The 26-year-old fly-half will join his new club on December 1, once New Zealand have completed their autumn tour of the UK.

Carter, who was met by around 20 journalists after his 26-hour trip from Wellington, claimed to be 'a little surprised' by the size of the welcome he received at El Prat airport on Sunday, although he is likely to be the centre of far greater attention when he is officially introduced to the Perpignan supporters later today.

"It's an experience for him as well as for us," said Perpignan coach Jacques Brunel.

"The important thing for now is to give him a warm welcome so that he feels good about his time with us."

The Canterbury Crusader, who was at the heart of the All Blacks' series win over the Lions three years ago, joins a Perpignan side currently sitting second in the Top 14 table after four wins from their opening five fixtures.

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.

Radike Samo, one of only two players still playing top level rugby in Australia who placed against the 2001 British & Irish Lions, will return to top flight action with Queensland Reds against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.

British & Irish Lions hookers Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs will fight out their own private duel in the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday and then become team mates for the next six weeks a day later.