Spencer sings the Blues again
King Carlos is back with the Blues.
Former Blues star and fan favourite Carlos Spencer is back where he made his name in rugby, coming on board as backs coach for the franchise’s women’s team in Super Rugby Aupiki 2023.
Spencer, who played 99 times for the Blues in a decade-long Super Rugby career that kicked off in 1996, brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the role.
He played 35 tests for the All Blacks between 1995 and 2004, but always saved his best for the Auckland franchise where he was known as an innovative, X-factor No 10 who could turn a game on its head in an instant.
In coaching he has had stints in South Africa with the Lions, Sharks and Eastern Province, in Japan and more recently was an assistant with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and with New Orleans Gold in the US Major League competition.
‘‘I just like giving back to the game, the way I played rugby,’’ he explained of his decision to take up the role as an assistant to Willie Walker. ‘‘And the way the women’s game is going, and what the Black Ferns have shown us, it’s a style I love. It was exciting watching them throw the ball around, and their ambition. I just want to be a part of it.’’
Spencer admitted he had been inspired by the roles his former coaches, Wayne Smith and Sir Graham Henry, had played with the Blacks Ferns in their successful 2022 campaign, and though he has no experience in the women’s space, he was eager to get involved.
‘‘It’s not a space I’m used to . . . but I thought it would be a great opportunity and challenge for me.’’
Spencer was enthralled by the impact of the recent women’s World Cup and expected Super Rugby Aupiki to benefit from the Black Ferns’ success.
‘‘The support they had over the last six months has been awesome. Just look at that final and them hanging around afterwards and what it meant to the country. It’s probably about time it happened and let’s just hope this can grow into a special thing.’’
He also noted the personalities that were fast emerging in the women’s game, headed by the incomparable Ruby Tui.
‘‘It’s different to the men’s game,’’ he said. ‘‘You probably do get to see those sort of characters come out of the women’s game. I’m not saying they have more fun, but it looks like they have more fun, and they’re a bit more relaxed.’’
The Blues legend was also disappointed to learn the women’s team would not have an Aupiki game against Matutū in Christchurch (they will meet in Dunedin during a combined round) where he hasn’t been back since his heyday with the Blues.
‘‘I always enjoy going down there. I get a great reception whenever I’m there,’’ he noted with a smile. ‘‘I haven’t been back there for years. They probably don’t remember who I am. They’ve probably forgotten about me.’’