Cruden returning to Chiefs on singleseason deal
THE Chiefs have announced former Chiefs cocaptain and All Black Aaron Cruden has signed with the franchise for 2020.
The 30yearold Cruden, will return home from France after signing a oneyear deal with the Chiefs.
Head coach Warren Gatland suggested the first fiveeighth would slot into the firstchoice playmaking role, potentially leaving gamebreaking All Black Damian McKenzie to be restored as the team’s fullback.
McKenzie shone at fiveeighth for the
Chiefs in 2018 but a serious earlyseason knee injury ruined this year’s campaign and robbed him of World Cup selection.
‘‘It is great to have Aaron back to rejoin the Gallagher Chiefs. As a player, he has a proven ability to create opportunities with his boot and can spark up an attack from anywhere on the park. We are fortunate and privileged to have him return and I will look forward to coaching him in the coming season,’’ Gatland said.
While a season of Super Rugby would make Cruden eligible to add to his 50 tests for New Zealand, his subsequent Japanese contract appears set to discount any prospect of an international return.
Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Michael Collins said he knew the announcement would be popular with members, fans and the team.
‘‘Aaron is an exceptional player and has been a fantastic leader for our team having cocaptained the Gallagher Chiefs for four seasons. He is a great team man who brings a wealth of experience and is greatly valued by his teammates. We are rapt he is returning to the club and we will value the contribution he will make both on and off the field,’’ Collins said.
Cruden was pleased to be returning to the Chiefs before taking up his contract with Japanese Top League club Kobe Kobelco Steelers.
‘‘It is a huge privilege to be a part of the Gallagher Chiefs once again. It is a fantastic environment to be a part of, which made it an easy decision to choose to return for the 2020 season. I’m looking forward to getting back and stuck into preseason training with the guys,’’ Cruden said.
Cruden made his debut for the Chiefs against the Highlanders in 2012, two years after his Super Rugby and All Black debut in 2010.
He scored 322 test points but for much of his international career played in the shadow of All Blacks great Dan Carter. — RNZ/AAP