Aaron Cruden misses All Blacks’ flight to Argentina after getting drunk
Fly-half dropped by coach Steve Hansen for tests against Pumas, Springboks
Fly-half Aaron Cruden missed the All Blacks’ flight to Argentina on Sunday after a drinking session the night before and will not play in the team’s Rugby Championship tour matches against the Pumas and South Africa.
Cruden was reprimanded by coach Steve Hansen, who will likely pick Beauden Barrett to replace the 25-year-old for Saturday’s clash against Argentina in La Plata and the following week’s match against the Springboks.
It’s obviously disappointing and out of character for [Aaron]. He’s extremely disappointed in himself. He understands there has to be a consequence for his actions
Though the team initially said Cruden had been left behind because of the late-night excursion, Hansen said in Argentina that he had missed the flight.
“We didn’t have a curfew. He was out drinking and he didn’t get there in time,” Hansen told New Zealand media in Argentina.
“It’s obviously disappointing and out of character for [Aaron]. He’s extremely disappointed in himself. He understands there has to be a consequence for his actions.”
“Once we get this out of the way then he will be coming back into the group when we go to Brisbane.