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For a province in need of heroes and the means to engage a drifting fan base, it's surprising Auckland haven't flown to Gloucester to beg Carlos Spencer to come home.
Spencer was angling for a return home but so far Auckland Rugby has shown remarkable disinterest.
"I'm a little confused as I thought Carlos had just signed a 17-month contract with Gloucester," said Auckland chief executive Andy Dalton. "I haven't spoken to his agent since he signed so it [bringing Spencer to Auckland] is not something I have given a great deal of thought.
"We have also made some commitments to other players - to Daniel Bowden."
But Spencer is understood to have a get-out clause with Gloucester as he sought an opportunity to finish his professional career where it started. His wage demands were thought to have been modest.
Some observers think Spencer is the most instinctive and naturally talented player produced by New Zealand in the last 30 years. A player most definitely worth paying to see as he can, and often will, do something no one else on the planet could have possibly conceived.
Others think he's a show pony, a flaky individualist who is all tricks and no substance.
But one thing unites both sides of the divide - everyone loves talking about Carlos. Everyone loves celebrating his genius or castigating his flaws and if for nothing but the debate he would spark and the interest he would re-ignite in Auckland rugby, he's worth bringing back to Eden Park.
These are tough economic times. Super 14 will prise discretionary spending from most households, which means not many budgets will stretch to attending the Air New Zealand Cup.
Unless of course there is a good reason to go to provincial games - such as the presence of Spencer who, even at 33, remains a player of colossal talent and intrigue who would most definitely add a much-needed star quality to a tournament all but dead on its feet.
Anyone who doubts his ability to turn a game on a flash of brilliance should be aware he made his debut for Gloucester last week and orchestrated his new side to an impressive win against Sale.
Gloucester coach Dean Ryan had this to say about his new recruit: "Carlos has looked sharp for a week, I would not have played him otherwise. He has come in deliberately just to change the dynamics and he has done that. At the same time, he has lifted people and that fits quite neatly into what we are trying to do.
"There are elements that we will talk about and things he could have done better but we will also show the seven or eight things that he brings to us. It is an understanding because his brain works at a million miles an hour."
Gloucester have signed the 35-cap All Black first five for 17 months and would love to keep him for the duration. They couldn't believe their luck when they heard Northampton were trying to manoeuvre him out.
The Saints wanted to elevate local youngsters to their first team squad and needed to free some cash to stay under the salary cap.
Given his age and his salary, Spencer was the man they felt they could expend. Gloucester didn't muck about, didn't need to be told they were buying a player who could make a difference.
Because the deal was hastily put together, Spencer is believed to have the option of leaving in June in case things don't work out as both parties hope.
It remains a source of regret that he didn't play 100 games for either Auckland or the Blues before he left for England in 2005 and he'd like to tick off both milestones.
If Auckland wants him, Spencer will happily come home. But that's it for now. Spencer will stay where he is unless Auckland has a change of heart.
