All Blacks lose fly half Aaron Cruden to French club Montpellier

All Blacks fly half Aaron Cruden will leave New Zealand at the end of this year’s Super Rugby season after signing a three-year contract with French side Montpellier.

The 28-year-old, who made the announcement on the Waikato Chiefs’ Facebook page on Wednesday, will still be eligible for All Blacks selection when the British & Irish Lions tour New Zealand later this year.

“It is with great sadness but great excitement that this will be my last year playing rugby here in New Zealand,” Cruden said in a video posted on the Chiefs’ page.

“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.”

Watch: Aaron Cruden’s statement

Cruden played 47 tests for the All Blacks and for a long time was seen as the heir apparent to Dan Carter in the number 10 jersey, though injuries cut short his opportunities to truly cement the role.

He was chosen ahead of Beauden Barrett for last June’s Wales series, the first since Carter left New Zealand to play in France, but a neck injury in the second test allowed the Wellington Hurricanes fly half to seize his opportunity.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen turns attention to British & Irish Lions tour

Barrett quickly established himself as the starting fly half, after mostly being used as an impact player, and was named World Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2016.

Cruden was one of three high-profile All Blacks players who had been targeted by European clubs over the southern hemisphere summer, with the playing futures of full-backs Israel Dagg and Ben Smith still undecided.

Tighthead prop Charlie Faumuina has previously confirmed he will be leaving after the Lions tour.

Scotland’s New Zealand-born coach Vern Cotter is taking over at Montpellier following this year’s Six Nations.