New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden harbours Rugby World Cup hopes despite injury

New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden has refused to rule out being fit for the Rugby World Cup despite suffering a serious knee injury.

The 26-year-old is expected to miss the tournament after damaging cruciate knee ligaments while playing for Waikato Chiefs.

However, Cruden still believes that he has an outside chance of being included in the All Blacks squad this summer.

"I haven't completely ruled out making the World Cup," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "Looking at the last World Cup there were a few injuries and guys getting called in late so I guess, all going well with my rehab and my recovery ticks along nicely, then who knows what can happen."

Cruden was part of the New Zealand squad that won the 2011 Rugby World Cup.