Cruden ‘tempted’ before turning down Crusaders
Former All Black Aaron Cruden has revealed he was approached by the Crusaders as they sought cover for their injured first-five Fergus Burke.
But despite being “pretty tempted” by the offer, and “pretty close” to taking the opportunity, he ultimately demurred.
The Crusaders have had to rely on Rivez Reihana and Riley Hohepa in the No 10 jersey so far this Super Rugby Pacific season, where they have won just one of their first eight matches.
Burke was initially sidelined by an Achilles injury suffered while playing for Canterbury in last year’s National Provincial Championship, but after recovering from that, he has since been kept out by a separate calf injury.
After winning the Super Rugby title every year since 2017, the Crusaders are currently on the bottom of the ladder, after last weekend’s loss to the previously-bottom Western Force in Perth.
Speaking on the Aoteraroa Rugby Pod on Sky Sport this week, Cruden was asked if there had been any interest in his services from the Rob Penney-coached side and said: “Yes, there was.”
“[Assistant coach] Jimmy Marshall gave me a call and I was pretty tempted and pretty close, but a lot of the decisions I’ve made, especially this year, around rugby and things, it’s been more based around the family and just making sure that that really fit for everyone.
“It was tough from a personal point of view. I’m a competitor and pretty keen to still play, but I think prioritising my family right now was certainly the way.
“I’m not sure if I could have helped down there right now anyway, maybe a little bit of experience, but those young guys getting that exposure, I think they’ll certainly be better for it in that Crusaders 10 jersey.”