I am deeply embarrassed – Cruden

Editor

Aaron Cruden has issued a statement admitting he is embarrassed and disappointed in himself after missing the All Blacks' flight to Argentina.

Fly-half Aaron Cruden has issued a statement saying he is embarrassed and disappointed in himself after he missed his team's flight to Argentina.

Cruden, who went out drinking with a handful of team-mates the night the team's flight to Argentina was delayed until Sunday morning, did not make the scheduled meeting time and has subsequently been dropped by head coach Steve Hansen.

The Chiefs number ten must now watch his team-mates from his home country as they take on Argentina and South Africa, giving this statement.

“On Saturday night, whilst out for an informal dinner in Auckland, I made a poor decision regarding the limits of my alcohol intake.

“This has resulted in the unacceptable action of me being absent from All Blacks assembly on Sunday morning and thus missing the team flight to Argentina,” he said.

“I am deeply embarrassed by this lack of judgement and have never been more disappointed in myself. I have not only let myself down, but most importantly, I have let my team down.

“I carry the burden of shame and disappointment and I am deeply apologetic to my team, to my family, and also the New Zealand public.

“I have no excuses. I have been working really hard over the past few years at gaining respect on the field as well as off the field and am devastated I have dropped my own high personal standards, as well as the standards set by New Zealand Rugby.

“I accept full responsibility for my actions and the penalty of missing the next two games, and I will work with New Zealand Rugby to undertake any other disciplinary action to work through this situation.”