The Blues have secured one of New Zealand rugby’s brightest emerging talents, with exciting outside back Payton Spencer committing to the Super Rugby Pacific club through to the end of the 2029 season.
The new deal comes after Spencer enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2026, making his Super Rugby debut against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney before adding four more appearances as the season progressed.
The 22-year-old quickly made his mark, scoring three tries, beating eight defenders and recording two try assists in just over 200 minutes of game time, underlining his reputation as one of the competition’s most promising young outside backs.
Spencer’s rugby journey has been closely linked with the Blues. He earned his first full professional contract in 2025 after progressing through the club’s Under-18 development programme, highlighting the strength of the Blues’ player pathway.
Away from Super Rugby, Spencer has also represented Auckland in the National Provincial Championship and announced himself on the international stage by helping New Zealand win the Sydney Sevens title on debut in 2023.
While his surname is synonymous with Blues rugby, Spencer is rapidly forging his own legacy. He is the son of Blues great Carlos Spencer, one of the most iconic first fives in the club’s history, but his performances have demonstrated he is creating his own identity through pace, skill and attacking flair.
Spencer says remaining with the Blues was a straightforward decision, crediting the club for believing in him from the outset and providing an environment where he can continue developing alongside an experienced coaching group and talented teammates.
Blues General Manager of Rugby Murray Williams says the long-term contract reflects the organisation’s confidence in Spencer’s future.
Williams believes Spencer possesses all the attributes required to become a major contributor at Super Rugby level, praising not only his athletic ability but also his professionalism, competitiveness and commitment to continuous improvement.
The re-signing is another important piece of the Blues’ long-term planning as the club looks to build around emerging New Zealand talent while maintaining a strong foundation for future Super Rugby campaigns.
For rugby supporters, Spencer’s commitment provides further excitement about what lies ahead, with one of the country’s most dynamic young backs set to continue wearing the blue jersey for at least the next four seasons.
As the Blues prepare for the 2027 campaign, Spencer will be looking to build on an impressive debut season and establish himself as a regular starter in one of Super Rugby Pacific’s most competitive backlines.
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