Carlos Spencer to join Hurricanes coaching team

Carlos Spencer played for the Blues in the Brisbane 10s. Photosport

Carlos Spencer will make something of a homecoming after being signed as the final piece of the Hurricanes coaching staff for next season.

The former All Blacks playmaker's last involvement in Super Rugby came in a cameo capacity in February at the Brisbane Global Tens with the Blues, a team he played almost 100 games for and helped guide to their last title in 2003.

But the Horowhenua lad, born and raised in Levin prior to moving to Auckland, is set to return to his roots – his home franchise, at least – after accepting the assistant coach role at the Hurricanes.

Forwards coach Richard Watt and scrum mentor Dan Cron have also recommitted for 2019, completing the Hurricanes management team alongside the already announced head honcho John Plumtree and assistant Jason Holland.

Spencer is expected to work with Holland to oversee the backline, the pair essentially assuming some of the duties left by Chris Boyd, who departs for Northampton at the end of this season.

Since hanging up the boots, Spencer has held several coaching positions in South Africa, working with the Lions, Sharks and Kings.

In Durban for a period he linked with Plumtree and it is that relationship which has led to Spencer now shifting to Wellington.

"I worked with Carlos in South Africa when I was at the Sharks and I was impressed with him from what I saw then," Plumtree said.

"He has carried on that good work, not only in South Africa but in Japan, and I really look forward to working with him again. Everyone that I've spoken to about Carlos and the way he operates has impressed me and he is really positive about joining the group and the club."

Spencer has long held ambitions to return to New Zealand and coach full-time. The 42-year-old spoke previously about the potential of joining the Blues, but has now found a home in yellow and black. His trademark flamboyance as a player is sure to resonate with the likes of Beauden Barrett, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Ngani Laumape.

"We are all moving in the same direction from the conversations I've had with Plum," Spencer said. "I'm sure we will continue to reach and carry on the high standards the Hurricanes club demands."

Plumtree believed locking in his coaching team months before next season would allow ample time for them to come together and map out plans. With four of their five coaches continuing the Hurricanes retain familiar voices but also add some new thinking with what Spencer will bring.

"I think it's really important to maintain that continuity in those areas and it's really good to be able to go to guys I know will deliver," Plumtree said. "Carlos will bring in fresh ideas and that's also important."