FORMER ALL BLACK Carlos Spencer has left his coaching position in South Africa, with Leinster interested in the 39-year-old.
Meanwhile, fellow New Zealander Leo Crowley offers another interesting possibility to fill the role of backs/attack coach at the province.
Spencer won 35 caps for New Zealand during his playing career, with his thrilling attacking skillset from out-half making him a favourite among rugby fans around the world.
Having hung up his boots in 2011, the former Northampton and Gloucester playmaker moved into the coaching world with South Africa’s Lions in 2012, before moving to the Sharks in 2013.
The Kiwi joined the Eastern Province Kings on a five-year deal the following season, where he briefly became head coach but then reverted to the role of attack and specialist skills coach this year.
However, the EP Kings this afternoon announced that they have ended their association with Spencer with immediate effect.
The42 understands that Spencer’s is one of a number of names that have passed through the hands of Leinster’s Professional Games Board, who are searching for the ideal man to add attacking and backline expertise to their coaching staff.
With Leo Cullen looking increasingly likely to be installed as permanent head coach for the entire 2015/16 season, Leinster appear intent on finding an innovative, attacking-minded coach to complement their existing strengths.
Academy manager Girvan Dempsey has been assisting Cullen during the pre-season, while Kurt McQuilkin has joined on a short-term contract as defence coach and is proving extremely popular with the players.
John Fogarty has assumed the position of scrum coach in recent weeks, as the influence of the re-signed Isa Nacewa is being felt behind the scenes too.
Highlanders attack coach Tony Brown turned down an approach from Leinster for their head coaching position last month, stating his preference to remain with the New Zealand franchise at that point.
Leinster have subsequently leaned strongly towards the idea of having Cullen move from his current interim head coach position into a permanent role for the coming season. His ability is as a forwards coach, meaning the province are now looking at coaches more renowned for their knowledge of backline attack.
Spencer’s departure from the Kings is almost certainly linked to the South African side’s ongoing financial issues, but his availability comes at an intriguing time. He is likely to attract interest from his native New Zealand, as well as elsewhere.
Stakeholders, supporters and players thirsty for Leinster to rediscover their attacking edge after an unhappy 2014/15 season under Matt O’Connor would likely be excited by the prospect of Spencer overseeing their use of possession.
“We would like to thank Carlos for what he brought to the Kings during his time with us,” said EP president Cheeky Watson in a statement to announce the split.
With his specialist attacking skills he was able to provide a new perspective for the players on the game and we will miss his input, but we wish him well for the future.”
Earlier today, the Barbarians confirmed that Spencer will team up with Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph to lead the invitational side for their clash with Samoa at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London on 29 August.
Another interesting possibility to fill the role at Leinster is Leo Crowley, who The42 understands has also been discussed by the province’s PGB.
Crowley left his job as an assistant at New Zealand province Taranaki last month to take up a position with the Canada national team for the World Cup. His brother Kieran is head coach of the Canadians, who face Ireland in Pool D of the tournament on 19 September.
Leo Crowley helped Taranaki to ITM Cup success last year and was set to be part of their title defence, which starts next month, before his brother convinced him to join the Canada set-up.
Crowley has an excellent reputation within the New Zealand coaching scene and, as with Spencer, his strengths lie in the backs and attack departments.
It is believed that his deal with Canada runs only until their involvement in the World Cup concludes, likely to be after their final pool game against Romania on 6 October.
That would mean Crowley being free to join Leinster before the beginning of their Champions Cup campaign in mid-November.
Leinster’s pre-season is currently proceeding under Cullen, Dempsey, McQuilkin, Fogarty and skills coach Richie Murphy when he is not involved in Ireland camps.
