All Black flyhalf has been one big disappointment in Europe
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden has failed to make a big impact with Montpellier and the club’s boss is a disappointed man.
The 30-year-old pivot joined the French club in 2017 for a reported NZ$3.6 million over three years, but he has been plagued by injuries since he arrived in France.
“Our flyhalf, since he’s here, keeps hurting himself,” Montpellier boss Mohed Altrad said in an interview with French rugby website RugbyRama.
“This season he has been injured four times. It is difficult for him to be efficient. We hoped for something else.”
Cruden has played just one out of six European games this season. He also played just seven out of 14 Top 14 fixtures.
Montpellier are currently sitting ninth in the French Top 14 standings. Last season they lost in the Final to Castres.
Montpellier failed to reach the knockout stages in this season’s European Champions Cup after finishing behind Edinburgh in their Pool.
However, Altrad is still backing Kiwi head coach Vern Cotter.
“He is someone who has proved [himself] a lot in Scotland and at [French club] Clermont. He brought us to the finals,” said Altrad.
He added: “Is it his [Cotter’s] fault if we are penalised thirteen or fourteen times against Edinburgh?
“Vern Cotter has proven himself and I trust him.”
Source: RugbyRama & stuff.co.nz
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