Benefactor upset over Carlos

Carlos Spencer

Ballu Khan, the rugby-loving millionaire who fended off previous attempts to lure Carlos Spencer to Europe, was disappointed he had not been told about the five-eighths' latest plans.

"I thought it would be a courtesy thing to let me know," Khan said.

"But obviously Carlos' management is calling the shots and that is disappointing."

The benefactor helped Auckland and the Blues retain Spencer last season when he signed an extended deal to the end of 2006.

Yesterday, however, Spencer announced officially he was breaking the deal and was taking up a three-year contract with Northampton.

"We sent Khan an email about this today," ARU chief executive David White said, "but the contractual relationship is between Carlos and Ballu Khan."

Khan is a Fijian businessman with family in Auckland and business interests in the US, who helps bankroll the Fijian team and also describes himself as a "supporter of Auckland rugby".

He said he was unsure what had gone on, but thought he might have been consulted about Spencer's departure.

"But if Carlos feels it is best to go I will support him, if it is positive I will support him. There is nothing acrimonious from me and I wish him the best."