Flyhalf Aaron Cruden has confirmed he is leaving the Wellington Hurricanes to join the Waikato Chiefs, continuing an exodus of top players from the troubled Super Rugby team.

Incoming Chiefs coach Dave Rennie confirmed Cruden's signing on Friday, describing the six-test All Black as "a top man, a quality player and a leader."

Cruden said his decision to leave the Hurricanes had been "extremely difficult. I never wanted to let anyone down but a decision had to be made."

He said part of his reason for joining Waikato was his experience of playing under Rennie for Manawatu province.

His departure adds to an outflow of top players from Wellington since rookie coach Mark Hammett sacked hooker Andrew Hore and center Ma'a Nonu.

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