All Blacks and Chiefs first‑five Aaron Cruden will reportedly leave New Zealand rugby for France at the end of the Super Rugby season.
French newspaper Midi Olympique have reported the 28‑year‑old 2011 World Cup winner, who has 47 caps for New Zealand, has signed with Montpellier and will join the French Top 14 club in August.
The deal is reportedly worth $2.4 million dollars for two‑years, with an option for a third year.
That would give the Manawatu pivot a salary of $1.2 million dollars a season.
Cruden comes off contract with New Zealand Rugby in June following the British and Irish Lions tour to the country.
New Zealand Rugby has directed requests for comment to Cruden or his manager.
Cruden's departure would come as no surprise, with the playmaker being overtaken in the All Blacks' first‑five ranks by Beauden Barrett following the departure of Dan Carter.
Source: RNZ
