Former All Back Carlos Spencer has quit his Irish grassroots coaching job less than a year into his three-year deal in Dublin.
It was May last year when Terenure College unveiled their coup signing of the 50-year-old, who won 44 Test caps with New Zealand between 1995 and 2004.
Having assisted the Blues women’s team as backs coach in their Super Rugby Aupiki title success, Spencer opted to take up the challenge of trying to win the All Ireland League title with the Dublin club, but he has stepped away for personal reasons with five games of the regular season remaining before the play-offs.
Beaten last time out by Dublin rivals St Mary’s College, Terenure slipped to fifth place on the table and outside the semi-final top four and has stepped away ahead of next Saturday’s match at home to Ballynahinch.
“Esteemed head coach…”
In a statement, the club said: “Terenure College RFC wishes to announce that our esteemed head coach, former All Black great Carlos Spencer, will be relocating from Ireland back to his native New Zealand for personal reasons.
“During his tenure with the club, Carlos delivered excellent results, guiding the team to a memorable Leinster Senior Cup victory at the start of the season and instilling an exciting sense of magic and stardust that energised both the players and our supporters.
“Although he will no longer be present day-to-day, Carlos remains committed to supporting the players and coaches as they continue their pursuit of league success. The club is currently in fifth position in the Energia All Ireland Division 1A and are determined to push into the top four play-offs over the coming months with Carlos’ input still influencing our campaign.
“Everyone at Terenure College RFC wishes Carlos every success in his future roles and thanks him sincerely for his dedication and leadership. His passion and expertise have left an indelible mark on our club, and we look forward to maintaining our connection with him as we strive for further achievements.”
Spencer said in the statement: “I have found this decision very difficult given how much I’ve enjoyed the role at the club, but the pull from my family at home has been too strong.
“I have coached in clubs in Japan, South Africa and New Zealand and this is the first time without my family alongside me. I thought I was strong enough to do it alone with commuting at the right times. I wasn’t.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time with the club, particularly working and developing the players and coaches over the season. I will continue to be involved in the direction of the team for the rest of this season and look forward to our continued success.
“I would like to thank the management, coaches, players and supporters for welcoming me into their club and I look forward to coming back to Lakelands in the years ahead.”
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In a video message recorded nine months ago after he was given the job, Spencer insisted he was ready to give everything he had to the Irish club.
“I just want to send out a really quick message to say how thrilled I am to be joining Terenure Rugby Football Club as head coach. I know it’s a club with a proud history, passionate supporters and a strong sense of community. I feel very lucky and honoured to now be a part of that.
“I look forward to meeting the players, coaches and the rest of the management group but most of all, I’ll look forward to contributing on and off the field.
“I know it’s a club that sets very high standards and I am ready to give everything that I have got. Thanks for listening in. I look forward to catching up with you all very soon.”