Chiefs make a big signing ahead of 2020 Super Rugby season

TRANSFER NEWS: The Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby Union have announced that All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden has signed with the Chiefs for 2020.

The 30-year-old Cruden, will return home from France after signing a one-year deal with the Chiefs. The talented first flyhalf and accurate goal kicker will make a return to Super Rugby in 2020.

Head coach Warren Gatland said he was pleased to have the former co-captain return to the Chiefs.

"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," said the coach.

Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Michael Collins said he knows the announcement will be popular with members, fans and the team.

"Aaron is an exceptional player and has been a fantastic leader for our team having co-captained the Chiefs for four seasons. He is a great team man who brings a wealth of experience and is greatly valued by his teammates. We are rapt he is returning to the club and we will value the contribution he will make both on and off the field."

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

"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," said Cruden. "I’m looking forward to getting back and stuck into pre-season training with the guys."

Cruden made his debut for the Chiefs against the Highlanders in 2012, two years after his Super Rugby and All Black debut in 2010. The flyhalf was a key director of the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013. Prior to his departure in 2017 to French club Montpellier, Cruden co-captained the Chiefs alongside current co-captain Sam Cane.

The 2020 Chiefs squad will be announced on Tuesday, November 12 with the squad commencing their pre-season training at the end of November.

They kick their Super Rugby season off against the Blues at Eden Park on Friday, January 31. They will return home in Round Two to play the Crusaders in their first home game of the season at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday, February 8.