The Chiefs have been given a big boost for this week’s Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes as Aaron Cruden has been cleared to make his return this week.

Cruden’s return will be a big boost for the Chiefs as well as the All Blacks who face England in a three Test series next month.

First-five Cruden has been training with the All Blacks in Christchurch but has not featured for the Chiefs since the beginning of April.

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Cruden broke his thumb playing against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein in South Africa.

“The thumb seems to be healing pretty well. I had an X-ray yesterday and I talked to the Chiefs doctor and he seems pretty happy with it and hopefully I will take the field in Wellington,” Cruden said.

“I have been in Hamilton with the team, just doing my own sort of training. We had the bye last week so I went to Bali and sort of got away from it all for a week, which has been really nice. I got back in the country last night.”

“It feels good, it feels nice and strong,” Cruden said.

“I got the cast off last week and am just moving it around again. Hopefully next weekend I will be back out on the paddock.”

Cruden said that he will now start some ball work this week and he expects some nerves ahead of resuming contact training but adds that if he feels the thumb is not fully healed he would not rush back.

“But by all accounts the doctors are pretty happy with how it’s healing and how it’s formed and we’ll be into it next week.”