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Blues extend 'exceptional young talent' Payton Spencer on long-term deal
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Newly capped Maori All Black Payton Spencer has committed to the Blues for another three seasons.
The 22-year-old made five appearances for the club in his recently concluded rookie season, with one start at fullback and four showings off the bench producing three tries and two try assists.
The former All Blacks Sevens talent has been widely followed since his schoolboy career at Hamilton Boys High School, thanks to the profile of his father, former Blues and All Blacks star Carlos Spencer.
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He made his Maori All Blacks debut with a start on the right wing during a dramatic comeback win over Japan XV, and will again suit up for Auckland in the coming NPC season, which will be his third for the region his dad played 89 games for.
Spencer said the decision to re-sign was an easy one.
“This club has believed in me from the beginning, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given here, he said.
“Making my debut this season was a special moment, and it only made me hungrier to keep improving. We’ve got an awesome group of players and coaches in for next season, and I know this environment is the best place for me to continue developing my game.
While it was Vern Cotter who handed Spencer his first five caps, it’ll be Jason Holland whom he’ll need to impress to earn his next five, with the former All Blacks and Hurricanes attack coach moving north to take charge of the team in 2027.
Spencer will also have capped Wallaby Darby Lancaster as an unlikely challenger for minutes in the Blues environment.
Blues GM Rugby Murray Williams said the length of Spencer’s new contract reflected the club’s faith in his potential.
“Payton is an exceptional young talent with all the attributes to be a huge contributor at Super Rugby level,” Williams said.
“We’ve seen his growth over the past few years, not only as a player but as a person. His professionalism, willingness to learn and competitiveness have impressed everyone within our programme.”
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