Former All Blacks five-eighth Carlos Spencer has joined South African Super 14 franchise the Lions.

Website Supersport.com said Bloemfontein-based sports agent Stephan Weyers confirmed Spencer had signed for the Lions, probably as cover for Andre Pretorius, the Springbok who has moved from the Lions to play for the Western Force in Perth this year.

Spencer, 34, has been playing for Gloucester after signing for the English club in early 2009 on a 17-month contract.

Spencer, who played 35 Tests for New Zealand between 1997 and 2004, had joined Northampton Saints at the end of the 2005 Super 12 season.

It is believed he will also be used as a skills coach for the Lions in this year's Currie Cup.

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