World Cup winner Aaron Cruden reveals he almost joined Crusaders

Rugby World Cup-winning All Black Aaron Cruden has revealed he was “pretty close” to joining the Crusaders this season after fielding a call from assistant coach James Marshall.

Cruden, 35, is one of the more prolific New Zealand first-fives in Super Rugby history. After debuting for the Hurricanes, the playmaker went on to help the Chiefs win back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.

But after leaving New Zealand’s shores for a second to pursue an opportunity with Japanese club Kobelco Steelers three years ago, it seemed that the former All Blacks No. 10’s career in the prestigious rugby competition was over.

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The Chiefs centurion has done a fair bit of pre-game analysis on Sky Sport NZ this season, but in an incredible twist, Cruden could’ve laced up the boots and taken to the field himself after receiving a career lifeline from a struggling Kiwi franchise.

“I was pretty tempted and pretty close,” Cruden said on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.

“But a lot of the decision I’ve probably made, especially this year around rugby… it’s been more based around the family and just making sure that that really fit for everyone.

“It was tough from a personal point of view, as a competitor I’m pretty keen to still play.

“But I think prioritising my family right now was certainly the way.”

Cruden, who was injured during the Rugby World Cup final in 2011, is currently a free agent after a few years in Japan with Kobe and Tokyo Sungoliath. The former All Black did return home last season though to play for Waikato.

The first-five played four matches in the National Provincial Championship, including two starts, which also included a two-try display in the win over Otago at home in round eight. But the step back up to Super Rugby level, by all accounts, is a tough one.

Richie Mo’unga is no longer there at the Crusaders, and the likes of Leigh Halfpenny and Fergus Burke are unavailable at the moment, which is what opened the door for Cruden to potentially run out in the Crusaders’ famed No. 10 jumper.

But it wasn’t to be.

“I’m not sure if I could have helped down there right now anyway,” Cruden continued.

“Maybe a little bit of experience, but those young guys getting that exposure, I think they’ll certainly be better for it in that Crusaders 10 jersey.

“It just doesn’t quite fit timing wise,” he mentioned. “But I did obviously say to them I really appreciated the offer and the interest in a 35-year-old veteran that’s still got a bit of game.”