Rumours continue about Spencer's future

All Blacks and Blues first five-eighth Carlos Spencer flew to London last night looking to sign a deal with one of three English rugby clubs.

Spencer, who was dropped by the Blues a few weeks ago and is now sidelined with a fractured cheekbone, is expected to talk to Northampton Saints, Harlequins and London Irish, The Dominion Post reported today.

But the 29-year-old, who has played 35 tests and 44 games for New Zealand, will need an early release from his contracts before he can play overseas.

Spencer is contracted to the New Zealand and Auckland unions until the end of next year.

It is understood the Auckland union is prepared to grant an early release, but it was not known whether the New Zealand Rugby Union would be as agreeable.

If Spencer gets the green light, he is not expected to go before the British and Irish Lions tour in June, even though he is probably third in the All Blacks pecking order behind Canterbury's Daniel Carter and Andrew Mehrtens.

Spencer appears to have plenty of options to consider.

There have been reports in Britain that he will join Harlequins, but Mehrtens has also been linked to the London club.

Mehrtens recently denied he had signed a contract with the London club.

The former Waiopehu College student has also been strongly linked to an 18-month, euro 450,000 (NZ$1.2 million) deal at Northampton, the club Wayne Smith coached before he returned to the All Blacks last year.

Already playing for Northampton are former Blues and All Blacks halfback Mark Robinson, former All Blacks fullback Bruce Reihana and flanker Andrew Blowers.

Speculation over Spencer's future has intensified since he was dropped for the sixth-round match against the Brumbies on April 2.

The Blues were coming off a 41-19 thrashing by the Crusaders at Eden Park, and had also lost to the Chiefs a week earlier in a lacklustre display.

Spencer has played 96 games for the Blues and 94 games for Auckland.

- NZPA