Aaron Cruden

The brilliant sportsman Aaron Cruden is a professional rugby union player, who currently turns out for the Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath. He most famously used to play for the New Zealand Super Rugby side the Chiefs, and for Montpellier in France. He has also represented his native New Zealand on the international stage, helping the All Blacks lift the Rugby World Cup in 2011, as well as five Tri Nations/The Rugby Championships.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Cruden started playing rugby at a young age and captained his side during his school years. He was 17-years-old when he made his professional debut with the Manawatu Turbos in 2008, and went on to help then win the NPC Championship in 2014 before leaving the side in 2016. From 2010-11 he also played for the Super Rugby side the Hurricanes, and he then signed with the Chiefs for the 2012 season, remaining with the side until 2017, after helping them claim two Championships (2012 and 2013) as well as two NZ Conference titles (2012, 2013). In 2017 he moved to France to play for Montpellier. He returned to the Chiefs in 2020, then relocated to Japan to play for the Kobelco Steelers in 2021. In 2022 he joined their rivals the Suntory Sungoliath.

After playing a few times for the New Zealand U20 side in 2009 and helping them claim the Junior Rugby World Cup, Cruden made his senior international debut with the All Blacks in 2010. Over seven years and in 50 appearances, he helped the side win the 2011 Rugby World Cup, as well as five Tri Nations/The Rugby Championships, and six Bledisloe Cups.

Cruden regularly connects with his legions of followers and fans through Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, posting pictures and comments about his sporting life.