In what has been reported to be one of the biggest contracts in South African rugby, ex-All Black Carlos Spencer has been reported to sign for the Lions.

Spencer is currently 34, and playing in Europe for Gloucester.

It is believed that Spencer’s contract is worth more than the Sharks paid to secure Argentinian Juan Martin Hernandez. I’m not sure why we are paying foreigners such big bucks when there are superstars within South Africa we could spoil rather than letting them go overseas to chase the big money.

Spencer represented the Auckland Blues, Auckland NPC side and the All Blacks in 44 tests between 1997 and 2004.

Spencer, has been viewed as a replacement for ex-Lions’ and Springbok flyhalf Andre Pretorius who has gone to Perth to play for the Force.Whilst this may be a good thing for the struggling Lions, and he probably fits right into the style of rugby new Lions Director of rugby Dick Muir wants to play, is it not a kick in the pants for ex-Bulls flyhalf Burton Francis who moved with the expectation of being first choice flyhalf?

Spencer no doubt has plenty of experience and has sublime running and passing skills that will benefit the new Lions pride, and can also slot in at inside centre. But how much game time and influence he will have remains to be seen.

Sports agent Stephan Weyers said that Spencer will also be a skills coach for the Lions in this year’s Currie Cup.

Spencer has signed for two seasons with the Lions with the second season in 2011 either as player or coach – or both. His role in the Currie Cup is likely to be more of a coaching role.

The Lions will also be without star halfback Jano Vermaak for the beginning of the Super 14 and will have to wait before being able to confirm whether JP Joubert will be joining them. Joubert has been in a contract dispute with the Free State Cheetahs.

It all looks a bit unsettled for a side that will need to come out firing from the first game if they are to avoid a repeat at the bottom of the table like the last few years.