King Carlos back in the S14

[Zinzan]

Former New Zealand fly half Carlos Spencer has joined Super 14 side the Lions in a massive coup for the lowly South African franchise.

Spencer, 34, will join the Lions as a replacement for South Africa fly half Andre Pretorius who will play for Western Force in 2010.

South African website SuperSport is reporting the deal is worth more than that given to new Sharks fly half Juan Martin Hernandez from Argentina and is believed to be one of the most lucrative contracts in South African rugby history.

He was contracted to English club Gloucester before the Lions deal.

Spencer is expected to arrive in South Africa within the next ten days and may feature in the Lions' warm-up game against the Bulls at the end of the month.

Spencer will also be a skills coach for the Lions during the Currie Cup.

'King Carlos' represented the All Blacks in 35 Tests scoring 291 points in 35 tests. He also scored 608 points for the Auckland-based Blues between 1996 and 2005.

Fox sports article.

Will be interesting to see how he plays, whether he still has it. I believe Melb Rebels needed to sign someone like this as there is a huge kiwi fan base there that would jump on Rebels bandwagon just to see Carlos playing.

Others I'd like to see play for Rebels:

Aaron Mauger
Mark Gerrard
Julian Salvi
Sam Tuitupou

 

[Boomy]

Wow, hopefully latho gets a gig at the Reds too! It'll be like they never left.

 

[Zinzan]

I recall the Melb Storm in 1999 signing some washed up players like Lazarus etc. to start the team, they went on to win the title in their second year.

A combination of youthful talent from around australia and some old heads from around the globe will definately help the Melb Rebels.

 

[TOCC]

on the PR website, there article also included this snippet by latham though

He added: "As far as playing in Japan goes, nothing has been finalised."

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2...835426,00.html

 

[PaarlBok]

He arrived today at Jan Smuts. Things are happening in Lions country, make no mistake. Dick Muir has been the best thing happening to my Valie broers.

Myself think Carlos is a very good buy for them, at least you can expect Earl Rose as a brother in arm with him. Sure this two will bring a lot of flair to the Lions and they will be able to read each other play.

 

[Blue]

Welcome back Paarl I though you got stuck in that hot tub with Pedrie Wannenburg, Joost, that hooker and a bag of drugs.

 

[PaarlBok]

Welcome back Paarl I though you got stuck in that hot tub with Pedrie Wannenburg, Joost, that hooker and a bag of drugs.

Ja something like that. :yay Hell man 25 years married yesterday , so I do have pasience at least. :nta:

 

[spectator]

Welcome back Paarl I though you got stuck in that hot tub with Pedrie Wannenburg, Joost, that hooker and a bag of drugs.

Ja something like that. :yay Hell man 25 years married yesterday , so I do have pasience at least. :nta:

Welcome back PB.

 

[PaarlBok]

Dankie Spec, great to be back.

 

[Biffo]

Carlos couldn't go the pace in England's Premier League. How far off the pace will he be in S14?

 

[PaarlBok]

Carlos couldn't go the pace in England's Premier League. How far off the pace will he be in S14?

Time will tell. His experiense will be worth in gold for the Lions as a start, but I cant see him playing kakker the the kak Andre Pretorius from the Force dished up for the Lions.

 

[Blue]

Carlos couldn't go the pace in England's Premier League. How far off the pace will he be in S14?

I never saw any games with him in it. Has he been that crap?

 

[Spook]

Carlos couldn't go the pace in England's Premier League. How far off the pace will he be in S14?

I never saw any games with him in it. Has he been that crap?

Yes.

 

[Biffo]

Carlos couldn't go the pace in England's Premier League. How far off the pace will he be in S14?

I never saw any games with him in it. Has he been that crap?

Yes.

Ditto. Seriously crap.

 

[PaarlBok]

Spencers Interview on the Lions site

Carlos Spencer
Firstly welcome to South Africa and more importantly welcome to the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

What is your full name and do you have a nickname?
Carlos James Spencer, Los

Carlos, the majority of us have followed your rugby career for quiet some time and I can guarantee you that you are a player that most of the Lions team look up to. Please tell me what in rugby caught your interest?
Well growing up in New Zealand rugby is your blood, but I guess I just followed my dad and my older brother, they played rugby as well.

Obviously you want to score as many points possible whilst playing for the Lions, but have you set yourself a target yet?
Not yet, I just arrived so my goals are to get to know the guys better, get used to the altitude and take everything one step at a time

It’s been a while since you played for the All Blacks, but you still keep on playing. Are you happy with your game of late, and your fitness levels?
I am very happy with my fitness levels, I do look after myself. Ya you know I was a little frustrated with the conditions in the UK and that stopped me from playing the game I like to play but playing in the Super 14 will hopefully change that.

What are your personal goals at the lions?
To help the younger guys, obviously to play well and help the team reach their goals and succeed.

I am sure several overseas clubs would have been interested in acquiring your services, so what made you decide to come to the Lions?
Well it was actually a spur of the moment decision, but what did catch my attention was to be able to play in the Super 14 again. To have a coaching role made it very tempting as well.

What are your expectations from the Lions during the Super 14?
Tough at the moment, I haven’t had time to actually meet the guys until training this morning. The training session was really positive and the guys are really energetic. This weekend away with the guys will help to get to know them even better and then we can set goals.

Carlos when you need to get away from the pressures of the day what do you do?
Golf and hanging out with my kids and family

Please tell us a little about your family
My wife Jodene, we all call her Jo, is a born and bred New Zealander. We will be married 5 years next week. We have 2 kids. Payton is 5 years and he loves anything to do with a ball and Asha is 2 years and is just starting to talk.

Can you cook? If so what is your signature dish?
YES, I am the cook of the family! I don’t actually have a signature dish but I do a really good roasted chicken and veggies and a mean barbeque.

Do you have any superstitions before you run on to the field?
Nope

Carlos you have achieved some remarkable “records” so to say, during your career. Please share two of your personal best memories.
I actually have a few so this is hard. Obviously the biggest achievement was putting on the All Blacks jersey for the first time. I dreamt of playing for the All Blacks since I was a kid. Another special memory was winning my first ever Super 14 in 2006

What is your most embarrassing moment in your professional career?
I was playing in England and it was pretty much half time and I had to kick the ball out, but in my rush I didn’t realize the ball was short and I landed up kicking the ball into the cross bar and had to then chase it and kick it out before the opposition got the ball and attacked.

 

[Biffo]

Spencers Interview on the Lions site

Carlos Spencer

I am very happy with my fitness levels, I do look after myself. Ya you know I was a little frustrated with the conditions in the UK and that stopped me from playing the game I like to play but playing in the Super 14 will hopefully change that.

Did he really say "ya you know"?

 

[Spook]

Spencers Interview on the Lions site

Carlos Spencer

I am very happy with my fitness levels, I do look after myself. Ya you know I was a little frustrated with the conditions in the UK and that stopped me from playing the game I like to play but playing in the Super 14 will hopefully change that.

Did he really say "ya you know"?

:lmao:

 

[PaarlBok]

Wikus van Heerden will be back playing in SA after the NH season ends. Hope he'll join the Lions but at this stage the Brutes also wants him.

Will be fantastic for the Bokke to get hiom back playing in green.

 

[Mojoman]

Welcome back the King..I hope he's not made to look silly.

 

[Pfitzy]

Anyone with that head couldn't risk looking sillier.