Carlos Spencer departs troubled Southern Kings

Fresh doubts over the future of South Africa’s sixth Super Rugby team the Southern
Kings have surfaced after Carlos Spencer left the Union claiming he had not
been paid.

Former All Black Spencer has been coaching Eastern Province since December
2013 but was recently dropped to a attack and specialist skills coach level
and Brent Janse van Rensburg appointed as head coach.

Spencer has claimed that he is owed a substantial amount in pay and last week
it was revealed that the players had not been paid as well.

Southern Kings boss Cheeky Watson has claimed that he has secured a R200 million
($24.34 million) sponsorship which would be a record for South African rugby.

While no official details or announcements have been made about the sponsorship
Watson had to phone each player in the squad last week and explain that they
would be paid for a warm up match on the weekend.

In the meantime Spencer, who was appointed on a five year deal, has had enough
and appointed a lawyer to try and get his unpaid wages.

“We would like to thank Carlos for what he brought to the Kings during
his time with us,” said Eastern province president Cheeky Watson in a statement.

“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.

“In the interim, the coaching staff will be restructured accordingly and
we have full confidence in their ability to manage the workload and to run a
successful campaign.

“We are still in the process of finalising certain appointments within
the coaching structure leading into Super Rugby.”

Spencer has applied for a role with his former Super Rugby team the Blues and
has been named as an assistant to Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph with the Barbarians
who will help Samoa warm up for the world cup at London’s Olympic Park.