Canterbury and the Crusaders have won the battle for Daniel Carter's signature, re-signing the injured All Black star through to 2011.

Carter signalled on Friday that he was leaning towards staying true to the red and blacks; however, it was claimed two days later in an Auckland newspaper that he had all but signed a deal worth $400,000 with Auckland and the Blues.

It would have been a move which would have seen him line-up for the Blues in the Rebel Sport Super 14.

Auckland and the Blues might now turn their attentions to one of Carter's back-ups at the Crusaders, Colin Slade and Stephen Brett, in a bid to fill the glaring hole they have at first-five.

Carter announced his re-signing on Monday, stating: "Christchurch has always been home for me, so it's great to have re-signed with Canterbury rugby through to 2011.

"I'm looking forward to playing in a red and black jersey again and being part of the province that has given my rugby so much."

He is now set to make his return from a torn Achilles for Canterbury in the upcoming Air New Zealand Cup.

Carter has been sidelined since early February, suffering the injury while playing in France.

Canterbury and Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said retaining the star No 10 was a massive boost.

"We are absolutely delighted to be able to re-sign Dan until after the next Rugby World Cup," he said.

"While there has been intense media speculation about Dan's future provincial union, our discussions have been positive and constructive throughout and have lead to this agreement.

"Dan is obviously a world class player and it will be fantastic to have him back. It is quite simply tremendously good news for all who care about Canterbury and Crusaders rugby."

Carter stated last Friday that talks over the weekend would produce a clearer understanding of his provincial and Super Rugby future.

And Carter clearly hinted that he would stay aligned to Canterbury and the Crusaders after speaking glowingly of what both sides have done for his career.

The star first-five signed a contract extension with the New Zealand Rugby Union last year through to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

But he had not signed an extension for provincial or Super Rugby.

The lure of moving to Auckland was a possibility considering he lives in the North Island city, he has business interests in the city and his partner also lives there.

But Carter said Christchurch and its rugby sides meant the world to him.

"Christchurch is still my place that I hold close to my heart," Carter said.

"But I am living here in Auckland. I have a house in both.

"But when it comes to rugby, Canterbury and the Crusaders have given me so much. I am sort of juggling which place is home.

"It (Christchurch) is where my family and most of my friends are from. It is where my family is. It is a place close to my heart that has given me so much.

"It has got me to where I am now, with the opportunities they have given me. It is a great place."