Wellington - Aaron Cruden, who was the All Blacks' starting flyhalf in last year's Rugby World Cup final, has signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union through 2014.
The 23-year-old Cruden sustained a serious knee injury during the World Cup final but has recovered to become a key player for the Waikato Chiefs, who have a 2-1 win-loss record after three rounds in the Super 15. Cruden has also signed for the Chiefs until the end of the 2014 season.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said Cruden "is an outstanding young man and really exemplifies what a young rugby player should be and we are delighted that he has re-committed himself to New Zealand rugby."