Former All Black Carlos Spencer has been snapped up by English Premiership leaders Gloucester just four days after he left their rivals Northampton by mutual consent.

Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan revealed that the 33-year-old outside-half had signed a 17-month contract and described his capture as a "great coup for us."

Spencer, who will have to contend with England international Olly Barkley and Ryan Lamb for the number ten jersey, admitted he had been surprised by the pace of developments since he decided to quit Northampton last week.

He said: "Everything has happened pretty quickly over the last few days, but the opportunity to stay in the Premiership and join a club as talented and ambitious as Gloucester is a rare one, so I am thrilled.

"Gloucester have been at the forefront of the game in England for a number of years, but the excitement of the challenge is driven by trying to help them take that last extra step and become winners.

"That is what excites me - I am joining a club that is genuinely challenging for the top honours around, and I want to give it everything I can to help make them even more successful.

"They are a great team, with strong competition for places, and I hope that I can play my way in and contribute fully to the end of the season push for honours."

Ryan said Gloucester had beaten off considerable competition to secure Spencer's services.

"Understandably, given his quality, experience and availability, there were a number of clubs keen to sign him and I am delighted we have got there first," Ryan said.

"Carlos will give us something a little bit different - a mystique and an ability to function at the highest possible level.

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