Spence (26), who was in his second year of a two-year deal with French club Bordeaux, announced his retirement from the game earlier this month.
He had not played since November last year and on medical advice decided to end his career. He has returned home to Alexandra, where he is originally from.
Spence played 49 games for Otago, scoring 11 tries as centre or wing.
A quality player, he was a solid operator, a good stepper with a nice pair of hands.
Spence, who went to Dunstan High School, played for Kaikorai. He turned in an an outstanding performance in the 2016 final to help Kaikorai win the club banner.
That was his last game in Dunedin before he left for his second stint with Bordeaux.
Spence suffered a serious concussion when playing for his Kaikorai club side in 2013 and missed most of the club season that year.
He was part of the Highlanders wider training squad but never took the field for the franchise.
The midfielder made his debut for Otago in 2011 and was part of the team which won the Ranfurly Shield in Hamilton in 2013.
Spence could not be contacted yesterday.
Spence came through the Otago Country grades with loose forward Lee Allan, who also had to retire because of concussion.