'King' Carlos Spencer makes MLR switch

All Blacks great and former Auckland Blues coach Carlos Spencer has revealed that he is to join up with NOLA Gold in 2022.

Speaking on Instagram, the former New Zealand standoff said: "I'd just like to let you know that I will be joining NOLA Gold for the 2022 MLR season as an assistant coach, having recently coached in Japan, South Africa and New Zealand.

"I look forward to bringing my experience and my skill to NOLA Gold outfit... working with coach Nate Osborne, the management group, and most of all the players. I’m really excited about the challenge ahead. Hopefully, we can create some memorable moments for our fans and supporters, I can’t wait to get over there”

Spencer made an early exit from his contract with NZ Super Rugby's Hurricanes last June.

The 45-year-old, who played 44 Tests across 10 seasons, arrived in Wellington in late 2018 following coaching stints in South Africa and Japan. Spencer, who retired from serious rugby in 2010, made a cameo for the Blues at the Brisbane Tens in 2017.

Spencer spent three years in the South African Rugby Union where he coached the Lions (2012), Sharks (2013), and Kings (2014). From 2016-2018 Spencer coached the Munakata Sanix Blues in Japan Rugby League One before returning to New Zealand to join the Hurricanes as an assistant coach.