New Zealand
Cruden stays with New Zealand rugby
June 16, 2014
Aaron Cruden is tackled by Kyle Eastmond, New Zealand v England, 1st Test, Eden Park, June 7, 2014
Aaron Cruden will remain in New Zealand for the next three years © Getty Images
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All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden may be under pressure to retain his starting spot against England but he's secured his immediate rugby future after signing a new deal with New Zealand Rugby.

Cruden has signed a three-year deal to keep him in the country until 2017, playing for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and Manawatu in the National Provincial Championship.

"I'm delighted to be staying in New Zealand. I love the All Blacks, Chiefs and Manawatu and am thankful for the opportunities I have been given and I want to continue giving my very best to this great game," the 25-year-old said.

Cruden's season was interrupted by a broken thumb and he only made a playing return a couple of weeks before the England Tests.

He started the first two internationals, but Beauden Barrett's performance off the bench in Dunedin has him challenging Cruden for the No.10 jersey in the third Test in Hamilton on Saturday.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen welcomed the retention of Cruden as did Chiefs coach Dave Rennie who said: "He has been a driving force behind the success of our team. He sets incredibly high standards for himself and his team-mates."

Cruden has played 31 Tests and has scored 202 points.

© AAP

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