>> Cruden eyes Premiership
AARON CRUDEN’s services have been put on offer to Premiership clubs – but only if they match his £700,000 a year wage demands.
All Black fly-half Cruden is coming into the last year of a threeyear deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union and is seriously considering moving abroad when he comes off contract. The 27-year-old was seen by many as Dan Carter’s replacement in waiting for New Zealand after the legendary fly-half ’s international retirement last autumnbut he has fallen behind Beauden Barrett in the pecking order. Cruden is regarded as one of the most talented fly-halves in the world but he has a serious flaw in his arsenal – his goal kicking – which may put off top Premiership clubs as it has allowed him to be overtaken by Barrett.
Representatives for the Chiefs’ ace have already spoken to a number of Premiership clubs about their recruitment plans for next season to see if they can fit him in.
Cruden, who is staying in New Zealand for the 2017 Lions tour, would become one of the highest paid players in the Premiership if a club can agree terms.
Wasps full-back Kurtley Beale is understood to be the highest paid player in the Premiership with wages believed to be in excess of £1.5 million for his two-year stint at the Rioch Arena.
Two early names that have been put in the frame are Worcester – believed to be looking to sign a top quality fly-half next season after seeing a deal for Bath’s Rhys Priestland fall through last summer – and Harlequins, who will have Nick Evans’ career coming to an end.