Aaron Cruden explains the reason why he turned down Ulster

Former All Blacks out-half Aaron Cruden has shed light on the recent approach he received from Ulster, who are looking to replace the Munster-bound Billy Burns. The 2011 Rugby World Cup winner is currently a free agent having returned to New Zealand last year to play for Waikato in the NPC following three years in Japan.

Cruden has played in Europe before, spending three seasons with Montpellier in France before the pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2019/20 season. However, the call teasing out his potential interest in a move to Ireland at the age of 35 came at the wrong time for the 50-cap Test player as he is currently in “full-time dad mode”.

Appearing on this week’s Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Cruden was asked about the recent RugbyPass story suggesting he was a potential Ulster recruit. In reply, he admitted there was contact but that his young, soon-to-be extended family was his priority even though he still has an itch to play.

"I had a good phone call with the crew at Ulster and they were great, to be fair, really cool,” he said. “Obviously, my wife and I have a bit of a thirst for travel and exploring the world.

“Right now, as it stands, just family-wise, we have another baby coming soon, and it doesn’t quite fit for us timing-wise. I did obviously say to them I really appreciated the interest. Clearly, I’m a 35-year-old veteran who still has a bit of game!

The new Sky New Zealand pundit also revealed on the show that he was approached by the Crusaders, but his answer was the same as he gave to Ulster. "A lot of the decisions I have made, especially this year, around the rugby has been based around my family and just making sure that fit for everyone.

"It was tough from a professional point of view, and as a competitor, I’m still keen to play. But prioritising my family right now is certainly the way.

“I still have the itch to play and am still a massive rugby fan… but I’m just in full-time dad mode and at the weekends doing a little bit for Sky.”

Ulster have still to confirm who their head coach will be next season with RugbyPass reporting on Wednesday that Kubota Spears boss Frans Ludeke was now on the shortlist to succeed the sacked Dan McFarland.

Also on the list of contenders are Ireland U20s boss Richie Murphy, the interim Ulster head coach who was reportedly only offered a one-year deal that has remained unsigned, and Jared Payne, the province's former full-back and assistant coach who is now coaching attack and backs at Scarlets.