Canes’ Happy To Have Carlos

New Zealand always beckoned for Carlos Spencer. Just maybe not Wellington.

South Africa and Japan have been home for the former All Blacks first five-eighth in recent years, as he sought to transfer a stellar playing career into coaching. It paid off this week, when he was unveiled as a new assistant coach for the Hurricanes, largely on the work he did in Johannesburg with the Lions.

It’s the kind of appointment that could completely change the trajectory of his career. And maybe alter Spencer’s view of where home is too. Having made his playing name in Auckland, it remains his dream coaching destination.

“That was probably the plan and the idea. Being ex-Blues, that was always my goal to return there one day,” Spencer said in Wellington yesterday.

“Probably thought I’d end up there before I ended up at the Hurricanes, but the Hurricanes are probably the second team that are closest to my heart. I grew up in the Nua [Horowhenua] so it [Wellington] was just down the road from where I was brought up.

“I spent a lot of time here with the old man, working in the drains, so I know Wellington quite well. If there was ever another franchise I was going to go to in New Zealand, it was probably the Hurricanes and I’ve got that opportunity now and I’m really looking forward to it.”

His addition marks the only change to the Hurricanes’ existing staff. Head coach Chris Boyd has a threeyear deal at Northampton kicking off at the end of this Super Rugby season, with John Plumtree succeeding him and Jason Holland, Richard Watt and Dan Cron all signing contract extensions.