Spencer now also a Saint

The world's worst kept secret is out. All Black fly-half Carlos Spencer on Monday confirmed media speculation that he had signed to play for English club side Northampton Saints.

Now a Saint: Carlos Spencer

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NRU) paid tribute to Spencer, who played 44 times for the All Blacks between 1997 and 2004, appearing in 35 Tests, scoring 291 Test points.

He is the third-highest New Zealand Test points-scorer, behind only Grant Fox and Andrew Mehrtens.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry paid tribute to the player he coached at provincial, Super 12 and international level.

"Carlos is a hugely gifted player and while I am happy for him personally to be taking up a new opportunity in his career, it is also sad to see him go," Henry said.

"He should reflect with a great deal of pride on his contribution to the game in this country."

Henry said Spencer was the most influential player in Auckland rugby, alongside team mate Xavier Rush, over the past seven or eight seasons.

"He has influenced the results of games he has appeared in at every level of the game from provincial rugby with Auckland, through to the Blues and with the All Blacks."

NZRU Chief Executive Chris Moller said while it was sad to see a player of Spencer's calibre leave New Zealand, he understood the reasons for his decision.

"Carlos has thrilled the New Zealand rugby public during his career and brought great joy to supporters over the years. On behalf of the NZRU I would like to thank him for the immense contribution he has made to rugby in New Zealand."

Moller said Spencer's longevity in the game was to be applauded as was his commitment to his province.

"He is one of the few players still playing who played in the inaugural season of the Super 12 in 1996.

"He has represented New Zealand, New Zealand Maori, the Blues and Auckland with pride and commitment and we wish him well in this next phase of his sporting career," Moller said.

Spencer's last Test for the All Blacks was in the 18-23 loss to Australia in Sydney on August 7 2004.

He will join former All Blacks Mark Robinson and Bruce Reihana at Northampton.