Aaron Cruden Axed and 'Embarrassed' After Missing All Blacks Flight Due to Drink

New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden has confessed his embarrassment after the episode that resulted in him being kicked out of the All Blacks squad for their upcoming clashes with Argentina and South Africa.

Cruden missed the team flight to South America after indulging in a drinking session and has admitted he is unashamedly embarrassed in a statement released by the New Zealand Rugby Union (h/t Eurosport.com):

"

I am deeply embarrassed by this lack of judgement and have never been more disappointed in myself.

I carry the burden of shame and disappointment and I am deeply apologetic to my team, to my family, and also the New Zealand public.

I have no excuses. I accept full responsibility for my actions and the penalty of missing the next two games, and I will work with New Zealand Rugby to undertake any other disciplinary action to work through this situation.

"

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The New Zealand team were initially due to fly out to Argentina on Saturday, but after some issues with their plane, they were stuck in Auckland until Sunday. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen admitted Cruden had subsequently gone out drinking on the Saturday night, branding his actions “extremely out of character,” per BBC Sport.

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Cruden’s faux pas comes at an unfortunate time for New Zealand, who are currently six points clear in the race for the Rugby Championship. The All Blacks could sew up the title with victory against the Pumas, who are bottom of the standings.

For Cruden—who has been replaced in the squad by Crusaders No. 10 Tom Taylor—it’s an extremely unfortunate occurrence and, for the time being, he looks unlikely to add to the 35 caps he’s accrued in the iconic black jersey so far.

The All Blacks have a plethora of top-class options for the No. 10 jersey, not least Beauden Barrett, who was already pressing Cruden hard for a starting role before the latter's misdemeanour.

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But players, like any of us, can make errors of judgement, and while Cruden is in a position of supreme privilege and great responsibility, this shouldn’t be the curtain call on his international career. Radio host Paul Flynn thinks the 25-year-old should be cut a little bit of slack:

It’d certainly be a shame if Cruden was perpetually ostracised from the All Blacks setup, for he is an exceptional player. So much so that he’s been touted by many to replace Dan Carter when the legendary New Zealand fly-half hangs up his boots.

Naturally, Cruden is a player who has a lot to learn on the pitch and as this whole incident emphasises, off it too. But for New Zealand, hopefully this will be an anomalous bump in the road in what could potentially be a distinguished and trophy-laden international career.