Spencer joins Northampton

A change of scenery for Carlos Spencer. Picture / Kenny Rodger

Carlos Spencer and English club Northampton have completed their deal.

The arrangement was being touted as fact yesterday around the Midlands town after disclosures from the club's millionaire owner.

"We have signed a world-class player, that we haven't announced, but he has signed on whether we are relegated or not," Keith Barwell told the Guardian newspaper.

Northampton are losing both their five-eighths, Shane Drahm and Paul Grayson, at the end of this season and lined up Spencer as a replacement when he was dropped by the Blues.

Spencer was able to visit the club last weekend because he was still recovering from the broken cheekbone he suffered in a training collision.

The 29-year-old Spencer decided he would take up an overseas offer when he was replaced in the Blues backline by Tasesa Lavea.

He had also been eased out of the All Blacks late last year and was behind Daniel Carter and, probably, Andrew Mehrtens and Nick Evans in the choices for first five-eighths to play the Lions.

The Herald understands that Spencer wants a release before the Lions series, something which would involve reaching financial agreements with the NZRFU and the Auckland union because he is contracted until the end of next year.

Northampton have three other New Zealanders - Andrew Blowers, Bruce Reihana and Mark Robinson - on their books and this weekend play for their future in the Zurich Premiership. Five sides are involved in a relegation shootout.

Barwell mentioned that Northampton had signed several players, but could not reveal their identities until their clubs and national unions agreed. "We don't deny that Carlos Spencer was here," Barwell said.

"It is difficult when the guy has been around for three days, when he has been kicking around in his plimsolls and has Maori tattoos over his arms.

"We certainly haven't denied that he was here and that we made him an offer."

The Spencer file

Province Auckland
Matches 94 (points 685)
Super 12 96 (points 607)
Tests 35 (points 291)
Debut 1997