Spencer reveals why he left Canes
Despite being asked to stay with the Hurricanes until the end of August, former All Black Carlos Spencer said he elected to quit immediately.
Ex-All Blacks and Blues No 10 Spencer, who joined the Hurricanes staff at the start of 2019 after previously working with clubs in Japan and South Africa, made the shock decision to leave Wellington-based club three games into the new Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.
The Hurricanes said on Monday that Spencer, who was employed as a backs coach, would leave the club immediately ‘‘due to the financial uncertainty created by Covid-19’’.
Spencer, a former first five-eighth who played 35 tests between 1997 and 2004, said he was told by the Hurricanes he would be made redundant when Super Rugby Aotearoa ended. The Hurricanes’ final game is against the Highlanders on August 15.
‘‘Unfortunate times at the moment but was told at the start of lockdown there could be a possibility of losing my job due to finances and uncertainty next year,’’ Spencer said in a statement to NZME.
‘‘[I] Was told last week that due to these reasons I would be made redundant at the end of August. Rather than carry on and finish off the competition I saw this as an opportunity to spend some well needed time with the family and sort out what our next move is.
‘‘[I’m] In no hurry to make any decisions, just want to enjoy time with the family and finally get to watch my kids play some sport.’’
The Hurricanes, who have lost their opening games against the Chiefs and Crusaders in Super Rugby Aotearoa, had the bye last weekend. They will play the Chiefs in Hamilton on Sunday afternoon.