Cruden offered free study

All Black Aaron Cruden was presented with a $5000 Massey University study award at his homecoming in Palmerston North.
Steve Maharey, the university’s vice chancellor, presented the award and hopes to see the 22-year-old combine his rugby career with extramural study.
Maharey says the award, equivalent to a first-year of full-time study, was a one-off to say congratulations to Cruden on his success, to wish him a quick recovery and thank him for his contribution to Palmerston North and NZ.
For hero Cruden, who hobbled off injured in the final, the award is a bonus after he received a reported $50,000 bonus as part of winning the trophy.
“It will give Aaron the opportunity to pursue his sporting career while investing in his future through study,”Maharey says.
He 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,” Maharey says.