Montpellier and New Zealand in tug-of-war for Aaron Cruden
Thursday 20 October 2016 08:29, UK
New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden is weighing up an offer to join ambitious French club Montpellier - with the All Blacks urging him to turn it down.
Cruden's contract with the All Blacks ends next year and Montpellier - according to reports in France - are willing to offer him a bumper deal to join them.
Vern Cotter, the New Zealander currently in charge of Scotland, takes over at Montpellier next season.
Cruden, named on the bench for Saturday's Test in Auckland against Australia after an injury lay-off, has refused to discuss the issue other than confirm he has options to consider.
"I've got a few decisions to make but the time is probably not right now to be making those decisions after an injury lay-off," he said.
"My focus is on the game this weekend and trying to make sure I nail my role when I get back on the field. I haven't put too much thought into (the offer)."
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New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said they have made it clear to Cruden - who has 42 caps - that they do not want to lose him.
"He knows we want him to stay and that discussion will probably happen while we're away," Hansen said with the All Blacks to leave soon on a northern hemisphere tour.
"He's a big part of where we are and what we do. He's in our leadership group and he's definitely a good enough player to be a strong Test player so we won't want to lose him."
Cruden was the understudy to Dan Carter for several seasons before taking over as the All Blacks' first choice fly-half this year when Carter retired from international rugby to join Racing 92 in France.
However, his groin injury has seen him slip behind Beauden Barrett in the All Blacks pecking order.
