Gloucester have signed Carlos Spencer four days after he left their Premiership rivals Northampton.
The former New Zealand Test fly-half Spencer left Franklin's Gardens by mutual agreement after having failed to secure a regular first-team place this season.
But Gloucester moved quickly to secure his services, signing the 33-year-old on a 17-month contract. "It's a great coup for us," said the Gloucester coach, Dean Ryan. "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.
"Carlos will give us something a little bit different – a mystique and an ability to function at the highest possible level.
"He has huge international experience with the All Blacks, and we believe he will be a great asset should we progress into the knockout stages of competitions later in the season. I am delighted that such an outstanding professional has agreed to join us."
Spencer won 35 caps for New Zealand before joining Northampton in 2005. He was halfway through a second two-year contract when he left Saints.
Spencer now heads to Kingsholm, where he can expect fly-half competition from the likes of the England international Olly Barkley and Ryan Lamb.
"I left Northampton with a ton of great memories," said Spencer. "The club were fantastic, and the supporters always treated me in a way I will never forget.
"Everything has happened pretty quickly over the last few days, but the opportunity to stay in the Guinness 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."
