Aaron Cruden could be on the way back to Super Rugby after Montpellier confirmed that his latest contract will expire on November 18th.
The former All Black has been at the French giants since 2017 but has suffered an injury plagued spell at the club and his newest deal will see him become World Cup cover while the club’s stars feature in the tournament.
Vern Cotter’s side have also confirmed they have agreed a similar deal with former Springbok star Jannie du Plessis, who has been at the club since 2015.
“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,” they said in a club statement.
There has been plenty of speculation regarding Cruden’s future over the past few months with links to Bath, Glasgow and a return to New Zealand the most common.
However, with his new contract a return to New Zealand would appear the perfect switch as the Super Rugby season doesn’t kick-off until the new year meaning he could finish his time in Montpellier before linking up with a new club.
The most obvious destination is the Hurricanes, who have recently lost Beauden Barrett to the Blues and have a big void to fill. However, a move to any Super Rugby side would make sense but if Cruden impresses and stays injury free during his spell as a joker he could be asked to continue on in France.
