Former Blues and All Blacks first-five, Carlos Spencer, will join the Blues women as backs coach for next year's Super Rugby Aupiki competition.
Carlos Spencer is heading back to the Blues. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2016 www.photosport.nz
Spencer, a member of the inaugural Blues side from 1996 played 99 times in nine seasons for the club and said he is "beyond stoked" to be back with the Blues whānau.
He has had several coaching stints in South Africa and more recently with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and New Orleans Gold in Major League Rugby in America.
"When I was playing, I always liked to bring a bit of innovation and 'out-the-box' thinking to the table," said Spencer.
"Now as a coach I want to encourage and help grow those same traits in our nib Blues wahine."
Spencer said the impact of the recent Rugby World Cup has been a joy to watch and expects Super Rugby Aupiki to benefit from the Black Ferns' World Cup success.
"You've seen the rise of women's rugby and the way the public got right in behind the Black Ferns recently."
"We're at an exciting juncture for the sport and I'm really looking forward to getting involved and doing what I can to help grow and support women's rugby."
Spencer joins head coach Willie Walker and fellow assistant Linda Itunu and said he's excited to get started on the Aupiki campaign plan with them.
"I've known Willie for a while, we've thrown the touch ball around and have a good relationship," said Spencer.
"He's done some fantastic work with the Auckland Storm in the Farah Palmer Cup and I'm looking forward to exchanging ideas and getting the backline humming."
"I don't know Linda personally but have seen her exploits on the rugby field for many years with the Black Ferns - she was certainly an enforcer on the field and I'm sure she'll keep Willie and I in-line off it."