Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, June 4.

New Zealand legend's shock rugby return confirmed

All Blacks legend Dan Carter has joined the Blues as an injury replacement for the upcoming Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa event.

Reports emerged this week that the two-time Rugby World Cup winner was set to make a shock return to the game in his homeland having played his rugby in Japan for two years after leaving Racing 92 in 2018.

The Blues have since confirmed the deal, although Carter, 38, admits he needs time to get fully match fit ahead of Super Rugby's return in New Zealand.

Speaking on the club's official website, the No.10 said: “Two things from the lockdown that I realised was that I really enjoyed spending more time with my family and that I miss rugby.

“Leon [MacDonald] is a good mate and we spoke about me helping out. For me it is a chance to mentor some young players and to give back to New Zealand Rugby.

“I have not played for several months so it will take me a little bit of time to get game-ready.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to train in the same city that my kids go to school in and my family are currently living. It will also be nice to share my experience with some of the young talent they have here at the Blues.”

The Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa competition begins on June 13.

Dan Carter

Gatland's cheeky Carter swipe

The Carter news has of course been a hot topic of discussion in the rugby world this week.

And even Warren Gatland has had his say on Carter's move, with the ex-Wales head coach failing to resist having a cheeky swipe at his country's most decorated outside-half.

"He’s getting a bit old now, 38 or something," Gatland told TVNZ, with tongue firmly in cheek.

"But he’s still winning trophies.

"For him to be able to come back to New Zealand and lace his boots up, I just think it’s good for the youngsters.

"He’s been a legend of New Zealand rugby and I don’t see any negatives towards it."

Hibbard calls for 60-cap rule flexibility

Richard Hibbard believes Wales' 60-cap rule needs to be more flexible.

Selection policy currently states players will not be eligible to feature under Wayne Pivac if they have won fewer than 60 caps and opted to play their club rugby outside Wales.

Rhys Webb became a major casualty of the Welsh Rugby Union's ruling when he signed for French powerhouses Toulon three years ago.

Thomas Young is currently unavailable for international selection after extending his stay with Gallagher Premiership side Wasps earlier this year.

And Dragons forward Hibbard believes cases should be looked at on an individual basis when it comes to determining eligibility to represent Wales.

"I don't think it should be as definitive as 60 caps," the hooker told the BBC.

"Rhys Webb played over 100 times for the Ospreys. They should look at things on an individual basis and consider exceptions to the rules."

Lions prepared for potential 2021 shift

Warren Gatland admits the Lions will have to be flexible should their tour of South Africa need to be rescheduled owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

The game has been on hold around the world since March due to Covid-19, although many competitions are slowly edging towards a return.

Gatland is due to lead the Lions into battle against the Springboks in just over 12 months.

And the Kiwi says his troops will adapt accordingly should the tour need to be pushed back.

"I'm conscious of what's best for the game," Gatland told AAP.

"There'a a lot of things going on at the moment that if it does get pushed back a little bit, we have to deal with that.

"The Lions tour is something I know the players have been looking forward to doing and it's really important for South Africa, I know they're desperate for it to go ahead.

"If it means that we have to move some dates, we have to be flexible on that."

Young makes Lions admission

Dai Young has revealed he is keen to work under Warren Gatland on the British & Irish Lions' tour of South Africa next year.

Young left his role at Wasps in February but admits he's eager to get back into rugby in the near future.

In recent days, Young has been tipped take charge of Gloucester along with former Wales coach Rob Howley.

And the 52-year-old - who toured with the Lions in 1989 - has admitted he would love to be involved next year when the Lions lock horns with the reigning world champions.

“I’ve been thinking of that and it’s definitely something I’d love to be involved in," the former Wales prop told The Rugby Paper.

“I’ve made lots of good contacts over the years and there are plenty of people who seem to have lots of time for me, so I’d certainly rule nothing out.

“Coronavirus has put a lot of things on hold but I’m enthusiastic to get back into the game again.”