Aaron Cruden has confirmed he's been approached by Sir Gordon Tietjens to join the All Blacks Sevens side for their Olympics campaign, but has confirmed he's turned down the offer.
Tietjens is actively gauging interest from a number of national players for the Rio Olympics, and hopes to draft a squad together over the coming months.
Players would most likely have to miss all Super Rugby and Test match commitments next year if they choose to vie for Olympic gold.
The Chiefs first five has says he has reluctantly turned down the offer.
"Gordon asked if I was interested and I'm extremely flattered but I think for me at this stage, not only the rugby side of it but in terms of things away from rugby as well, it probably just isn't the right time."
Effectively having to be out of the fifteen-a-side game for a season to join Tietjens' squad, Cruden says it would halt his prime ambitions.
"I have aspirations of playing against the Lions in 2017 and maybe taking a year off wouldn't do...my chances any good."
Aaron Cruden says he wants to do everything he can to be the number one first-five for the 2017 Lions tour.