Aaron Cruden signs New Zealand contract to commit fly half to All Blacks until 2017

By Ian Ransom, Reuters

Published: 01:12 EST, 17 June 2014 | Updated: 01:12 EST, 17 June 2014


Aaron Cruden, heir apparent to long-serving fly half Dan Carter, has committed to the New Zealand Rugby Union and his Super Rugby team, Waikato Chiefs, through to 2017.

The 25-year-old, who played his 31st test against England on Saturday, signed deals for another three years, making himself available for the All Blacks for next year's World Cup in England and the British and Irish Lions tour in 2017.

'It's great for me and my family that I have been able to secure my rugby future through to 2017 and I'm delighted to be staying in New Zealand,' said Cruden.

Signing on: Cruden has started both tests of the England series this winter

Signing on: Cruden has started both tests of the England series this winter

Prospect: Coach Steven hansen has been delighted with Cruden's perfoamnces

Prospect: Coach Steven hansen has been delighted with Cruden's perfoamnces

 
 

More...

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said his team's selectors were "excited" that Cruden had re-signed.

'"Crudes" is an outstanding young talent and a great team man and leader in our group,' he said.

'His contribution to All Blacks rugby and his other teams has been outstanding.'

In the absence of talismanic playmaker Carter, who has taken a six-month sabbatical from the game, Cruden has started at fly half for the All Blacks in the past two test wins against England to seal the three-match series 2-0.

Carter, 32, made his return to the field in a lower-level club game on Saturday and should be available for the annual southern hemisphere Rugby Championship with Australia, South Africa and Argentina starting in August.

The All Blacks will bid to sweep the England series in the final match in Hamilton on Saturday.

More to come: Experienced No 10 Dan Carter will return from his sabbatical in time for the World Cup

More to come: Experienced No 10 Dan Carter will return from his sabbatical in time for the World Cup


Comments (0)

Share what you think

No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now