All Black Cruden returns to Chiefs

Hamilton - All Black Aaron Cruden has signed a one-year deal to return to the Chiefs for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

This was confirmed in a join statement made by the Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby.

The 30-year-old flyhalf will return home after playing for French club Montpellier since 2017.

Head coach Warren Gatland told the Chiefs' official website he was pleased to have the former co-captain return.

"It is great to have Aaron back to re-join the Chiefs. As a player he has a proven ability to create opportunities with his boot and can spark up an attack from anywhere on the park. We are fortunate and privileged to have him return and I will look forward to coaching him in the coming season," Gatland said.

Cruden was pleased to be returning to the Chiefs before taking up his contract with the Kobelco Steelers in Japan.

"It is a huge privilege to be a part of the Chiefs once again. It is a fantastic environment to be a part of, which made it an easy decision to choose to return for the 2020 season. I'm looking forward to getting back and stuck into pre-season training with the guys."

Cruden was a vital member of the Chiefs team that won back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.

He played 50 Tests for New Zealand between 2010 and 2017.

- Compiled by Herman Mostert

CRUDEN RETURNS??

Aaron Cruden returns from France to join us for the 2020 Investec Super Rugby Season.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/v5fikug921#ChiefsMana pic.twitter.com/NeNd9yuDjf

— Gallagher Chiefs (@ChiefsRugby) November 9, 2019