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Carlos Spencer is eyeing a return to play for Auckland in the NPC, and would be open to a Super 14 recall with the Blues.
Spencer, the 33-year-old Auckland rugby icon and former All Black No 10, has just started a new contract with the leading English club Gloucester, after parting company with Northampton mid-season.
While not desperate for an Auckland return, he has made it clear to those around him that it is a cherished priority and tentative feelers have been put out.
His Auckland lawyer David Jones said that Spencer was still in great shape.
"His body is one of those football marvels," he said.
"Carlos has told [his wife] Jodene and me that he wants to return to play here."
The odds on Spencer - the last active link with the great Auckland era of the 1990s - donning blue and white again are longish at this stage but the ball is now clearly in Auckland's court as to whether he returns this year or next, or at all.
Spencer would surely be an attractive proposition for the struggling northern powerhouse. Both Auckland and the Blues have failed to find a permanent, quality replacement for Spencer, the rugby magician who quit for England in 2005.
With Nick Evans having come and gone with indecent haste and Isa Nacewa also overseas, the Blues are relying on the talented but erratic Tasesa Lavea in the Super 14, with the journeyman Jimmy Gopperth as back up.
At least Lavea is an interesting proposition but it is hard to see the Blues as title contenders with Gopperth running the show.
Spencer is prepared to forgo the riches of Europe to finish out his career on home soil. If Auckland showed a strong interest in bringing Spencer home, then it is almost certain that the old Prince of Eden Park would make a shock return to the New Zealand game this year.
Spencer is contracted with Gloucester until May next year and is delighted with his new club, but it is understood he has the ability to negotiate out of the deal at the end of this English season.
A prime motivation for Spencer is a long held ambition to reach the 100-game mark for Auckland, and he wants to do the same with the Blues. He has played 93 games for the province and 96 for the Blues.
Joining Auckland's elite 100-game club is his major aim and an assurance of a Super 14 contract would not be needed to secure his return.
There have been few more brilliant sights in sport than Spencer at his bewitching best. His return would be a marvellous coup for the NPC adding some much needed glamour while his presence could be a welcome influence for young players in the provincial team under new coach Mark Anscombe.
To sensible judges, Spencer would be a shoo-in for the current Blues squad also.
