Daniel Carter's rugby rehabilitation programme is poised to advance to the provincial arena this weekend with the All Blacks first five-eighth declaring his availability for Canterbury's team to play North Harbour.

Carter, who made his comeback to competitive rugby at club level last weekend, said he was keen to play in the defending champions Air NZ Cup opener at Albany after training with the squad in Christchurch on Monday.

"I'd love to be back playing in red and black," said Carter, who has rarely played for Canterbury since making the All Blacks in 2003.

Carter, 27, suffered a serious achilles tendon injury during his sabbatical to France in February but appears to be on track to play a significant role in Canterbury's title defence.

He played 80 minutes for his Southbridge club last weekend and felt no ill-effects although his lack of match fitness is still a concern.

Carter said he was looking forward to adding to his tally of 21 Canterbury appearances after training with the squad for the past month.

Canterbury head coach Rob Penney names his 22-man squad on Thursday.

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