Chiefs: Aaron Cruden extends contract till 2014

Chiefs and All Blacks first five-eighth Aaron Cruden has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Chiefs franchise.

The deal which was announced today, will see Cruden extend his contract through to 2014.

Cruden who made his debut for Manawatu in 2008 and captained the New Zealand under-20 to a world title in 2009 said he was happy to extend his contract.

"I am really stoked to have re-signed with NZRU and the Chiefs until 2014. It was an easy decision for me, as I am really enjoying my footy in New Zealand and looking forward to the challenges that the next few years will bring," Cruden, who will be playing in Tauranga on Friday when the Chiefs take on the Brumbies, said.

Cruden was voted IRB Junior Player of the Year in 2009 and made his All Blacks debut in 2010 at the age of 21 after an impressive Super Rugby debut season for the Hurricanes. He won the ITM Cup Player of the Year in 2011 after taking his Manawatu side to the ITM Cup Championship finals and was called into the Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks side, playing in the three playoff matches. He has played nine Tests for the All Blacks.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie the signing was great news for New Zealand fans and in particular the Chiefs' fans.

"Aaron is an integral part of this franchise going forward and epitomises everything we want in our Chiefs players. It is fantastic that he has made a commitment to us long term."

Meanwhile, Blues loose forward Jerome Kaino's Super Rugby season is over because he needs surgery to repair damage to a shoulder injury sustained in his side's round two defeat to the Chiefs.

Kaino received a blow to his shoulder during the game but continued to play thinking it would settle. Investigations later revealed a piece of bone had been knocked off the joint.

A shoulder specialist has advised surgery, which Kaino will have today, keeping him out of rugby for about six months.

"I'm gutted. I really didn't think this was going to take me out of the whole Blues season. It certainly helped seeing the guys have a good win at Loftus in the weekend," said Kaino, who was judged the All Blacks' best player last year.

From South Africa, Blues coach Pat Lam said Kaino's season-ending injury was quite a shock.

"Jerome is a great player and brings a lot to the Blues on and off the field. This is a real blow for him and I know, like us, he is really disappointed that he won't be playing this season with the team."