Mystery sponsor helps clinch deal to retain Spencer

By CHRIS RATTUE

Auckland have pulled off a coup with the long-term signing of Carlos Spencer, meaning the Blues and All Blacks back is set to buck the trend and see out the rest of his career in this country.

The 27-year-old - an icon of the Auckland game and with Lee Stensness a survivor from the Blues glory years - has re-signed until the end of 2006, with a "mystery benefactor" involved in the deal.

It means Spencer will not be part of any post-World Cup exodus, while Auckland have retained one of the game's great crowd pleasers still able to rip open increasingly organised defences.

He is also regarded as a fine contributor at Ponsonby.

Spencer, who has battled major knee and shoulder injuries over the past four seasons, said yesterday he was "over the moon" and that it could be his final playing deal.

"What really made my mind up was the end of year [Northern Hemisphere] tour with the All Blacks.

"I thought, did I really want to play in the rain and cold for a bit more money? You don't get a better place to play than here."

Auckland and Blues chief executive David White said an overseas company played a major role in Spencer's provincial contract and would offer him considerable opportunities after his playing days.

"Our NPC and Super 12 coaching staff describe Carlos as outstanding and believe we still haven't seen the best of him.

"He has matured as a person and player, and really supports the young players.

"My understanding was that he was off, that he had some serious offers from the Northern Hemisphere, so we have driven the negotiations."

Spencer, who has a year left on his contract, made his Auckland debut in 1994. He played on the All Blacks tour to Italy and France in 1995, and made his test debut against Argentina at Wellington in 1997.

His lawyer, David Jones, a leading player representative, said Spencer had a stream of offers which topped those for All Blacks, even though he was absent from the test side for two years until a recall for November's short tour.

"They have a huge regard for him in England and France. You wouldn't believe the offers," said Jones, Spencer's adviser since he came to Auckland from Horowhenua as a teenager.

"They were willing to pay money before he was even able to join them. They see him as our best ball player. They think it's unbelievable he's not in the New Zealand side.

"Auckland and David White deserve a lot of credit. They were very proactive."

Spencer should return from a shoulder injury when the Blues play the Reds in a Super 12 warm-up match at the Gold Coast on Tuesday.

The squad leave for Australia tomorrow, and play the Brumbies at Wollongong on Friday.

* Counties Manukau and Canterbury made no comment after talks over Steelers centre Casey Laulala, who wants to sign a three-year contract with Canterbury.