Spencer
Carlos Spencer is one of New Zealand’s greatest ever players. Discover all about his life and career with RugbyPass, your resident rugby gurus.
Carlos Spencer Bio
Carlos Spencer is a great of New Zealand rugby. A metronomic fly-half who also played at fullback, he was capped 44 times by his country and played domestic rugby in New Zealand, England and South Africa during his distinguished career.
Born 14 October 1975, Carlos Spencer began playing rugby at a young age. After a dominant performance for Horowhenua against Auckland in a Ranfurly Shield challenge, he was recruited to play for Auckland.
Alongside his Auckland commitments, Carlos Spencer played for the Blues in Super Rugby from 1996 to 2005. During this time, he made 99 appearances and scored more than 600 points.
In 2005, Carlos Spencer left New Zealand and signed for Northampton Saints, where he stayed until 2009. Following this, he signed a short-term deal with Gloucester before he left for South Africa in 2010. Before his retirement, he represented the Lions and the Golden Lions.
Although he enjoyed a stellar domestic career, Carlos Spencer is best known for his time with the All Blacks. An imaginative kicker and passer, he had the skills required to unlock elite international defences. Although he wasn’t always first choice for the international side, he made 44 appearances for his country between 1995 and 2004, scoring 383 points in the process.
Since his retirement, Carlos Spencer has established a reputation for himself as an elite coach. Post-retirement, he’s been employed in various roles for the Lions, Sharks, Kings and Hurricanes.
