Auckland - Auckland rugby has pulled off a coup with the long-term signing of Carlos Spencer, meaning the Blues and All Blacks back is set to buck the trend and see out the rest of his career in this country.
The 27-year-old Spencer, an icon of the Auckland game and with Lee Stensness a survivor from the Blues glory years of the late '90s, has re-signed until the end of 2006, with a "mystery benefactor" involved in the deal.
It means Spencer will not be part of any post-World Cup exodus, while Auckland have retained one of the game's great crowd pleasers, still able to rip open increasingly organised defences.
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Spencer, who has battled major knee and shoulder injuries over the past four seasons, said he was "over the moon" and this could be his final playing deal.
"What really made my mind up was the end of year (northern hemisphere) tour with the All Blacks," he said.
"I thought did I really want to play in the rain and cold for a bit more money. You don't get a better place to play than here."
Auckland and Blues chief executive David White said an offshore company played a major role in Spencer's provincial contract and would offer him considerable opportunities after his playing days.
"Both our NPC and Super 12 coaching staff describe Carlos as outstanding and believe we still haven't seen the best of him. He has matured as a person and player and really supports the young players," White said.
"My understanding was that he was off, that he had some serious offers from the northern hemisphere, so we have driven the negotiations. We needed a bit of lateral thinking.
"I'm delighted. He is such a gifted footballer. He is a critical part of the Auckland and Blues plans."
Spencer, who has a year left on his current contract, made his Auckland debut in 1994.
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