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Wellington - Former All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden will abandon the Hurricanes to cross to fellow New Zealand strugglers the Chiefs for next year's Super Rugby season, local media reported on Thursday.
Cruden, who has played six tests for the All Blacks but missed out on selection for this year's Tri-Nations squad, was expected to sign with the Chiefs before the end of the week, the Waikato Times said.
"We've just got some work around finalising the contract to get completed to make it 100 percent," the paper quoted Chiefs CEO Gary Dawson as saying.
"We're just working through that process at the moment."
A Chiefs spokesperson confirmed Cruden was expected to sign within days following a disappointing season for the Hurricanes in which the talented 22-year-old struggled for a starting spot.
Cruden, once touted as heir apparent to incumbent All Black flyhalf Dan Carter, could prove a handy pickup for the Chiefs, whose flyhalves Stephen Donald and Mike Delany have been linked with moves overseas.
The Chiefs finished 10th in the Super Rugby standings, one place behind the Hurricanes who also missed the playoffs.
Cruden's departure would be a blow for the Wellington side, whose coach Mark Hammett sensationally dumped inside centre Ma'a Nonu and skipper Andrew Hore last month and can ill afford to lose more attacking backs.
The Hurricanes are also yet to re-sign All Black trio Piri Weepu, Cory Jane and Hosea Gear.
