Northampton Saints have ended speculation about the future of Carlos Spencer by securing his services until 2010.
All-Black extends Northampton stay
Northampton Saints have ended speculation about the future of former All Black fly-half Carlos Spencer by securing his services until 2010.
The 32-year-old is one of the most recognised names in world rugby, and the announcement will come as welcome news for Saints fans.
Spencer arrived at Franklin's Gardens in 2005 on the back of an impressive seven-year record with New Zealand and a successful spell at Auckland.
Since then he has played 79 times for Northampton and won the Saints' Player of the Year after just one season at the club - also coming second in the PRA Player's Player of the Year award.
Spencer has remained an integral part of the Saints' squad this season, and has been an ever-present in their current blitz of National Division One.
His versatility is another asset to the Saints as he has split this season's 22 appearances between fly-half, centre and full-back.
The former All-Black is understood to have rejected a number of clubs across Europe to continue his stay at Franklin's Gardens until at least 2010.
Progress
"We have asked a lot of Carlos this season and he has delivered," said Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder.
"He gives the team that something special and is always posing the opposition questions, no matter which position he plays in.
"He will be an important part of our squad as we make our final push for the Premiership and as we try to maintain our progress as a team.
"I am delighted that Carlos has signed for another two years at Franklin's Gardens."
Spencer paid tribute to what he described as a "top club", and is eager to re-unite Northampton with Guinness Premiership opposition.
"I've really enjoyed my time so far at Northampton," said Spencer.
"It is a top club with great players and supporters and with the way that Jim and the coaches want the team to play I think that there is a good future ahead of us.
"I'm looking forward to helping the Saints get back into the Premiership and being successful there."
