Aaron Cruden must be satisfied with just one World Cup winners’ medal.
The New Zealand Rugby Union feared they would lose two from three big-name players next year. Kieran Read, Ben Smith and Aaron Cruden have all been subject to heavy speculation linking them to moves abroad.
While Read may take up a short-term playing contract in Japan, he remains integral to the All Blacks plans for the 2019 World Cup. Smith has been linked to Munster but Top 14 side Pau are offering a lot more money [a reported €1m a year].
Cruden’s departure from the NZRU set-up has now been confirmed and he is off to a side that Leinster defeated on 57-3 at the weekend. Cruden will join Jake White’s multi-national Montpellier squad next season and his wages are, in rugby terms, massive.
The outhalf, who helped New Zealand to a World Cup win in 2011 but missed the 2015 tournament through injury, will earn €800,000 for his first two years with the club. There is an option for a further year with €800,000 being the salary again.
Cruden, who claimed the Super Rugby title with Chiefs in 2012 and 2013, commented:
“It is with great sadness but great excitement that this will be my last year playing in New Zealand.
“I have signed a three-year deal with Montpellier in France, which is a beautiful part of the world, a fantastic rugby club and a real opportunity for me to go out there and experience something different.”
The 28-year-old will remain available for selection for this summer’s visit of the British & Irish Lions to New Zealand.
He will head to France to join up with Montpellier, and in-coming coach Vern Cotter, in August.
At €800,000 per season, Cruden will be well inside the top 10 of highest paid rugby players. Dan Carter and Ayumu Goromaru are both on €1m plus while Toulon’s Matt Giteau gets €900,000.
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