Spencer signs for South African S14 team

KIRK HARGREAVES/The Press

NEW MAN: Carlos Spencer has reportedly signed to the South African Super 14 team, the Lions.

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Former All Blacks first five-eighth Carlos Spencer has joined South African Super 14 franchise the Lions, a South African website reported today.

Supersport.com said Bloemfontein-based sports agent Stephan Weyers confirmed Spencer had signed for the Lions, probably as cover for Andre Pretorius, the Springbok who has moved from the Lions to play for the Force in Perth this year.

Spencer, 34, has been playing for Gloucester after signing for the English club in early 2009 on a 17-month contract.

Spencer, who played 35 tests for New Zealand between 1997 and 2004, had joined Northampton Saints at the end of the 2005 Super 12 season.

It is believed he will also be used as a skills coach for the Lions in this year's Currie Cup.

- NZPA