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Dagg commits to All Blacks
By Peter Thompson
Israel Dagg has snubbed lucrative offers from overseas by signing a new contract with New Zealand Rugby until 2019.
Toulon and Leinster were among the clubs reported to be eager to lure Dagg to Europe, but the brilliant Crusaders outside back will remain in his homeland.
Dagg's decision to commit to the All Blacks comes less than a week after Ben Smith rejected overtures from abroad to commit to the All Blacks and Highlanders.
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen stated last year that it would be a positive outcome for the word champions if two of Dagg, Smith and Aaron Cruden signed new contracts and the latter is the only one of the trio to move on - agreeing to join Montpellier at the end of the Super Rugby season.
A video posted by israel akuhata dagg (@izzy_dagg) on Feb 12, 2017 at 12:28pm PST
"There's no doubt that there were some attractive offers to consider, but at the end of the day I love my life here in New Zealand with my family, friends and team-mates and I'm not ready to give that up." said Dagg.
"I still feel blessed every time I pull on the jersey for the All Blacks, Crusaders or Magpies so I consider it an honour to be able to keep working hard to earn that right for the next three years."
Hansen said: "To have a player of Israel's ability and versatility re-sign is a major lift for all levels of New Zealand Rugby.
"We appreciate the decision Izzy and his wife Daisy have made and to be able to plan the future, knowing that we'll have him involved makes life so much easier for us all, and we look forward to the challenges ahead."
Dagg has scored 24 tries in 61 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut against Ireland in 2010.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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