'King Carlos' to join the Hurricanes

Former All Blacks playmaking wizard Carlos Spencer will enter the Super Rugby coaching scene with the Hurricanes.

The powerhouse Kiwi franchise has confirmed its coaching staff for 2019, when John Plumtree will take over as head coach from the departing Chris Boyd.

Jason Holland remains an assistant coach, alongside forwards coach Richard Watt and scrum coach Dan Cron.

The surprise addition is that of Spencer, the former Blues and All Blacks five-eighth whose short coaching career has been confined to roles in South Africa and Japan.

The 42-year-old's only Super Rugby involvement was an assistant stint for one season with the Lions in 2012.

Plumtree was clearly impressed by Spencer when they were briefly on the coaching staff of the Durban-based Sharks a year later.

"He has carried on that good work, not only in South Africa but in Japan, and I really look forward to working with him again," Plumtree said.

"Everyone that I've spoken to about Carlos and the way he operates has impressed me and he is really positive about joining the group and the club."

Spencer scored 291 points in 35 Tests for New Zealand, having famously duelled with Andrew Mehrtens for the playmaking role during his tenure.