Firstly welcome to South Africa and more importantly welcome to the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

What is your full name and do you have a nickname?
Carlos James Spencer, My nickname is Los

Carlos, the majority of us have followed your rugby career for quiet some time and I can guarantee you that you are a player that most of the Lions team look up to. Please tell me what in rugby caught your interest?
Well growing up in New Zealand rugby is your blood, but I guess I just followed my dad and my older brother, they played rugby as well.

Obviously you want to score as many points possible whilst playing for the Lions, but have you set yourself a target yet?
Not yet, I just arrived so my goals are to get to know the guys better, get used to the altitude and take everything one step at a time

It’s been a while since you played for the All Blacks, but you still keep on playing. Are you happy with your game of late, and your fitness levels?
I am very happy with my fitness levels, I do look after myself. Ya you know I was a little frustrated with the conditions in the UK and that stopped me from playing the game I like to play but playing in the Super 14 will hopefully change that.

What are your personal goals at the lions?
To help the younger guys, obviously to play well and help the team reach their goals and succeed.

I am sure several overseas clubs would have been interested in acquiring your services, so what made you decide to come to the Lions?
Well it was actually a spur of the moment decision, but what did catch my attention was to be able to play in the Super 14 again. To have a coaching role made it very tempting as well.

What are your expectations from the Lions during the Super 14?
Tough at the moment, I haven’t had time to actually meet the guys until training this morning. The training session was really positive and the guys are really energetic. This weekend away with the guys will help to get to know them even better and then we can set goals.

Carlos when you need to get away from the pressures of the day what do you do?
Golf and hanging out with my kids and family

Please tell us a little about your family
My wife Jodene, we all call her Jo, is a born and bred New Zealander. We will be married 5 years next week. We have 2 kids. Payton is 5 years and he loves anything to do with a ball and Asha is 2 years and is just starting to talk.

Can you cook? If so what is your signature dish?
YES, I am the cook of the family! I don’t actually have a signature dish but I do a really good roasted chicken and veggies and a mean barbeque.

Do you have any superstitions before you run on to the field?
Nope

Carlos you have achieved some remarkable “records” so to say, during your career. Please share two of your personal best memories.
I actually have a few so this is hard. Obviously the biggest achievement was putting on the All Blacks jersey for the first time. I dreamt of playing for the All Blacks since I was a kid. Another special memory was winning my first ever Super 14 in 2006

What is your most embarrassing moment in your professional career?
I was playing in England and it was pretty much half time and I had to kick the ball out, but in my rush I didn’t realize the ball was short and I landed up kicking the ball into the cross bar and had to then chase it and kick it out before the opposition got the ball and attacked.