All Blacks first five-eighth Aaron Cruden has turned down the chance to play for the New Zealand Sevens team at next year's Rio Olympics.

The Chiefs playmaker confirmed that All Blacks Seven coach Gordan Tietjens has approached him but he reluctantly turned down the offer.

"Gordon asked if I was interested and I'm extremely flattered but I think for me at this stage, not only the rugby side of it but in terms of things away from rugby as well, it probably just isn't the right time," Cruden told Radio Sport.

Cruden says sitting out for the whole of 2016 could hurt his chances of representing the All Blacks against the British and Irish Lions the following season.

"I have aspirations of playing against the Lions in 2017 and maybe taking a year off wouldn't do...my chances any good."