Cruden gets $5000 to go to uni

Aaron Cruden receives his award to study at Massey University from vice-chancellor Steve Maharey. Photo / Supplied

Aaron Cruden would have learned a considerable amount about rugby and celebrating recently, having won the World Cup and featured in parades in three cities.

Now's he has been offered an award to study at Massey University.

Cruden, 22, called into the All Blacks as a replacement for the injured Dan Carter and Colin Slade, was presented with an award worth $5000 by Massey University vice-chancellor Steve Maharey in Palmerston North yesterday afternoon.

The award offers fees up to the equivalent of a first year of fulltime study.

While money is unlikely to matter for the Manawatu local, who will receive a large bonus as part of the team that won the Webb Ellis trophy, Cruden will be only too aware that top sportspeople are only one injury away from never playing again.

He left the field in the final against France 30 minutes into the match with a knee injury and is now on crutches.

Mr Maharey said the award was a one-off to say congratulations to Cruden on his success, to wish him well in his recovery and thank him for his contribution to the university town of Palmerston North and New Zealand.

"Massey is the university of choice for many of the country's elite athletes who study through the distance learning programme and we hope Aaron will join us."

Mr Maharey says Massey had heard Cruden mention that if he was not an All Black he would like to be a student.

"This way he can be both."

The homecoming event in Palmerston North's square - dubbed the Cruden Zone - took place yesterday.