Rugby: Cancer battle gave Cruden hope during injury

Aaron Cruden missed the Rugby World Cup after rupturing his ACL during the Super Rugby season. Photo / Christine Cornege.

Aaron Cruden has taken inspiration from his battle with testicular cancer during his return from an ACL rupture.

The Chiefs and All Blacks first five suffered the injury in April, ruling him out of the Rugby World Cup.

Cruden said he used those previous experiences to help him through.

"I guess my experience a few years when I was pretty crook came to the forefront at a time like this with an injury."

"Going from being a professional athlete where you're pretty busy on a daily basis to putting your leg up and totally let the healing process begin, that was the hardest part."

"Now I'm at the back end of the recovery I'm pretty keen and eager and running around."

Cruden said he will visit the specialist again before Christmas.

"Hopefully he'll give me the all clear to start doing a bit of contact early in the New Year when we get back together, then we've got a few pre-season games that I'm targeting."

Cruden has earned 37 All Blacks caps over his career, and will be competing for a starting spot next year with Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade and Lima Sopoaga.