One of the most exciting rugby players of his generation, All Blacks, Crusaders and Hawke's Bay outside back Israel Dagg is hanging up his boots and announcing his retirement from rugby today.
The announcement comes after 30-year-old Dagg's long-term knee injury hadn't allowed him to train and play at an elite level.
"It's been an honour to represent the All Blacks, Crusaders and Hawke's Bay over the years and I'm incredibly proud to have worn each of those jerseys throughout my career," says Dagg.
"While it's bittersweet to mark the end of my playing career, I'm grateful to still be able to contribute to this Crusaders team in 2019 and help prepare some of the younger squad members to take the next step in their own careers.”
The news brings the curtain down on a stellar rugby career which began in 2006 when Dagg made his debut as an 18-year-old for his Hawke's Bay provincial side.
He ends his career having played 66 Tests for the All Blacks over eight years (2010 - 2017), 89 matches for the Crusaders (2011 - 2018), 25 games for the Highlanders (2009-2010), and 50 appearances for his beloved Hawke's Bay Magpies (2006 - 2015).
While disappointed that his fantastic rugby career has been ended by injury, Dagg is also philosophical and says he's grateful to have had such a long and successful career, which included a Rugby World Cup win in 2011 and numerous other successful campaigns with the All Blacks, as well as back-to-back Super Rugby championships with the Crusaders in 2017 and 2018.
Dagg says he’s looking forward to taking on some new challenges in the future and spending more time with his whānau.
Tributes:
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew has led the tributes to Dagg.
"On behalf of all rugby fans both here and around the world, I want to thank Israel for his stellar service to New Zealand rugby," says Tew.
"He leaves us as one of the greats of our game and the second most capped All Blacks fullback of all time. He was an excitement machine on the rugby field and fans knew that when he got the ball in his hands that anything could happen.”
Tew says Dagg came into professional rugby at a relatively young age but, injuries aside, was able to perform at the highest level for many years and certainly wore the All Blacks jersey with real pride and honour.
"We'll miss having him play, but given his infectious personality and positive attitude, I'm sure the New Zealand public will still see plenty of Israel Dagg as he enters the next phase of his life. We wish him and his family all the very best."
BNZ Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says, "Izzy has had a wonderful Super Rugby career with our club, but it's his personality that has ultimately endeared him to staff, his team mates and our Crusaders fans over such a long period of time. His 'team first' approach ensures he'll continue to provide support to our group throughout the 2019 season, and we certainly wish him and his young family all the very best for the future."
BNZ Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson says, "Izzy has made such a massive contribution to the Crusaders both on and off the field over the past eight seasons. He's a world-class player, a great team man and an absolute champion. He has been a huge part of the success of this team and his willingness to take the time to mentor the young guys coming through has been hugely important in their development.
"Izzy has been a leader within the Crusaders for a long time and has been driving our culture throughout his career. He'll stay in our environment and remain an important part of this 2019 campaign - which shows the measure of the man."
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen says, "It's always a shame when injury forces a player to retire, but Izzy will leave our game knowing that he'll forever be remembered as an outstanding player who definitely enhanced the All Blacks jersey and contributed to the legacy of the team.
"He had an outstanding debut season for us in 2010, scoring that final try in the Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg, and then took that form into the Rugby World Cup in 2011 where he was one of the stars of the tournament, and he played a major part in the All Blacks being successful at that tournament.
"We'll all miss his outstanding rugby skills on the field, but he was a real character off the field as well. We'll look back fondly at his time in the black jersey - he's a very special man and a very special player. We wish him, wife Daisy and his young family all the very best for what the future holds."