TOP FORM: Dan Carter in action for the Crusaders in their win over the Chiefs in Christchurch.

Dan Carter is likely to play rugby through his 2014 sabbatical for club side Southbridge.

A source close to Carter and the Ellesmere club said the plan was ''just one of the ideas'' Carter was thinking about.

Carter would make a decision after the Super Rugby season, the source said.

''But the Southbridge idea has been talked about,'' he said.

It is understood Carter would not play the entire club season with Southbridge, but would play several games should he opt for club rugby.

A club spokesperson recently told The Press that Carter had been keen to play for Southbridge this season, but the schedules did not match.

Talk of this move adds weight to the suggestion that Carter will shun overseas offers and remain in New Zealand for his sabbatical.

Carter's wife, former New Zealand hockey international Honor Carter, recently gave birth to their first child, Marco James, and Carter has business interests in New Zealand.

Carter played for Southbridge from the age of 5, and in 2009 he made his senior debut for the club, helping it to beat Hornby 34-13.

Southbridge are the current Combined Country competition champions, last month beating Lincoln in the competition featuring teams from Mid-Canterbury, North Canterbury and Ellesmere.