Former All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg has called time on an ongoing battle with injury and announced his retirement from all rugby.
One of the most eye-catching players of his generation, Dagg spent the latter part of his career fighting a knee problem that hasn’t allowed him to play for the Crusaders, let alone add to his 66 Test caps.
While disappointed to step away, Dagg was grateful his All Blacks career fell during a period of enormous success, from 2010-17.
Blessed with electric pace and elusive running, Dagg burst onto the international stage with a series of spectacular tries.
His form was so compelling, he replaced centurion Mils Muliaina as the starting fullback midway through the victorious 2011 World Cup campaign in New Zealand.
When injuries slowed him, Dagg adapted his game, honing his aerial skills to an elite level and developing one of the game’s longest punts.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said Dagg’s running will be the abiding memory for most fans.
“He leaves us as one of the greats of our game and the second most capped All Blacks fullback of all time,” Tew said.
“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.”
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said Dagg’s contribution had continued off the field in recent seasons, helping mentor some of the exciting backline talent that had kept the Super Rugby champions ahead of their rivals.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
What a player. What a character. Vale Israel...
Chucked
Guest
An incredible player, his combinations with Ben Smith were a joy to behold. The Current AB team needs a player of his calibre - a big boot. I thought James Lowe was the next Izzy, but he left, but luckily it appears that Jordie Barrett will be a good replacement. McKenzie does not fill Daggs or Smiths boots, in no way shape or form. I think without unjury Izzy would have easily made 2015 and 2019 RWC
Peterj
Guest
An outstanding player and someone definitely worth paying money to watch. Fortunate enough to see him play at the height of his powers. A brilliant all round fullback and rugby player. And what about that boot!
taylorman
Roar Guru
Rest up Izzy, great career, some great tries in very key moments and test matches. Tandemed with Read down the blind in some awesome plays, the 2011 oz semi all yours. Bound to see him on tv in some capacity, a gift of the gab and natural quick wit will see him right. Finished too soon.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the entertainment. Great rugby player.
Sherry
Guest
Thanks for the memories, ID. You were never anything but dangerous when you got the ball against whomever, specially the Wallabies. Enjoy life but don't go too far away from the game. Hope you do some commentary.
Faith
Roar Rookie
Dagg was a class act on and off the field (and still is). At the start of his AB career he was so good that he relegated Mils Muiliana, another AB, great to the bench. I'll never forget that last minute try that he created with a goose step against the Boks in the Republic. That RWC try in the semis against Oz. And he still did well to re-invent himself as a right winger when Bender usurped him at fullback. And he was still potentially the best option going forward even for Japan ... a wing of finesse to complement Rieko's power style (tho he still has finesse) and a great loss to the game. He's been taken too early. Amazing how much talent the Saders have that they won't feel the loss ... and yes Will Jordan is something ...
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Sorry to see him retire - without the injuries he'd have surely been in the reckoning for a 3rd world cup, rather than only a single one. One of those players who, at times, made the game seem effortless.
CUW
Roar Rookie
i thought Jane said Dagg is the dirtiest player - in the sense he never washed his cloths :P
CUW
Roar Rookie
I think he was his own enemy. I remember about a couple of seasons ago - he played on in a match with a knee injury . and then was out for months. his desire to play made him come back not fully healed i think. Perhaps in hindsight - had he taken a couple of years to rest and recover properly - maybe could have played longer. Still had a few years at top level .... tho his star was being in 2011 world cup - the best performances actually came when he had Ben Smith on wing ( i think 2013 ) and SMith scored about a dozen trys. he and Ben used to alter at wing and 15 seamlessly. but not fear - Crusaders do have a Dagg clone in Will Jordan . over time he may learn to play on the wing also :)
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
I was lucky to meet him and speak with him a few times. He was always immensely charming and appeared to truly be happy and enjoying himself. He was very open speaking with you and never came across as anything but a nice bloke. His disposition put a smile on your face. And who can forget his running with mouth full open? Or Cory Janes’ book sledging him constantly about his hairline?
Akari
Roar Rookie
Thank you for this story, Daniel. It was indeed hard to ignore Dagg when he boldly announced his arrival on the world scene in 2011 in somewhat similar fashion to the great Jonah. And then misfortune in injuries got in the way. He will remain the better of the two Israels at 15 or on the wing IMO.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
Yes the knee injury can take pace off the glace. The electric glides get reduced. Christian Cullen was the same. It must be hard to accept when that magical top end speed is no longer there. But what a boot! Faded out slowly. I think he was pretty upset missing the RWC 2015...wasn’t much mention of it. The glory to the faded. Can be tough. In his prime he had it all. Remember and appreciate the good times Izzy !!
Lara
Guest
When I first saw Dagg play for the Highlanders, I knew he was special . The kid had “ magic”, he had ABs written all over him. Knee injuries are a sportsman worst nightmare, his star shone brightly......will be missed, but he is already mentoring, so who knows, he might uncover another Dagg .
Harry Jones
Expert
Possibly, arguably, but almost certainly the best back to ever play rugby. If “best” is defined as enjoying top test rugby the most. And what a boot on him! Both!