All Blacks five-eighth, Aaron Cruden, is bound for France after signing a profitable three-year deal with the French Club, Montpellier, for the 2017- 2018 Top-14 season.
This was the result of being benched during the last season after Bauden Barrett took his place on the field.
Via an online video posted by Cruden last Wednesday, the 28-year-old expressed his excitement at playing with the All Blacks, Manawatu, and The Chiefs for one last season, before taking his leave.
Coach Steve Hanson urged the 322-point test scorer to stay.
Though saddened at the prospect of leaving the All Blacks, the first five-eighth is also excited for next year.
Meanwhile, he still hopes to make the cut for the New Zealand’s Lions Series.
The possibilities of him making it back to the All Black side does not look promising as past selectors have not been so lenient with players who went overseas.
Charles Piutau is an example of that when he missed out on the 2015 World Cup after signing with Ulster.
Former All Black, Jeff Wilson is rooting for Cruden’s successful submission back into the Lion’s Series, though he realized, it is going to be tough, with the likes of Bauden Barrett already occupying his spot, and Damien McKenzie in tow.
