Aaron Cruden opens up Super Rugby return
Deception des joueurs de Montpellier RUGBY : Montpellier vs Castres - Finale Top14 - 02/06/2018 JBAutissier/Panoramic.
Experienced New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden has extended his stay with Montpellier but could return to Super Rugby once his contract ends in November.
The 50-times capped international will remain with the French outfit during the World Cup as a medical joker, covering for those at the global tournament.
Cruden has been linked with a move away from the Top 14 side, with Bath and Glasgow Warriors reported to be interested, but the pivot could now go back to his home country for the 2020 season.
After signing a three-year deal in 2017, much was expected of the talented playmaker, but injuries disrupted his campaign in 2018/19.
The Hurricanes are potential suitors with the Wellington-based franchise looking for a replacement for two-time World Player of the Year, Beauden Barrett, who signed for the Blues ahead of next year.
Meanwhile, Montpellier also announced that former Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis has agreed a similar deal to Cruden and will stay until the end of the World Cup.
A statement from the French club read: “Aaron Cruden, a New Zealand international who joined the club in 2017, will stay in Montpellier during the World Cup season.
“Jannie du Plessis, an international Springbok at the club since 2015, will also be hired as a World Cup joker. In parallel, he will continue to carry out his missions within the training centre.”