Israel Dagg

Israel Dagg takes his personality and rugby know-how into broadcasting

Dagg, the 66-test veteran who stepped away from the game earlier this month because of a persistent knee problem, has joined Sky Sport.

Sky rugby fans can look forward to seeing the former Magpies, Highlanders, Crusaders and All Blacks fullback and wing a lot more on Sky Sport

The witty and insightful Dagg will be a regular panellist on Thursday night's Kick-off with Kirstie Stanway from April 25.

Dagg will also feature in Sky rugby match build-ups, post matches and will help generate stories for Sky rugby shows.

Dagg forced to hang up his boots

The former All Blacks fullback has made the decision following medical advice, as a long-term knee injury hasn't allowed him to train and play at an elite level.

Dagg played 66 tests for the All Blacks over an eight year period, last featuring internationally in the test against Argentina in New Plymouth in September 2017.

He also played 89 matches for the Crusaders, 25 games for the Highlanders and made 50 appearances for his beloved Hawke's Bay Magpies.

Israel Dagg to play in Japan

Dagg confirmed he will join the Canon Eagles when his Super Rugby duties finish and return to New Zealand in December.

The 66-Test veteran hasn't played for New Zealand since last September, having been sidelined for long periods by a chronic knee problem.

He has made just four appearances for the Crusaders, with a return to the field in May cut short when hit in a high tackle by Brumbies winger Chance Peni.

The 30-year-old says his Japan stint doesn't mark the permanent end of his Test career.

Franks and Dagg finally back for Crusaders

The pair have been named in the Crusaders starting lineup for Saturday night's match against the Japanese side the Sunwolves.

Prop Franks makes his return from an Achilles injury and Dagg a knee injury with the pair not having played since September.

Dagg will start on the right wing.

Regular skipper All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock has been rested with fellow with fellow All Black Matt Todd to lead the side.

The Chiefs have made four changes to their starting lineup for their match against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Israel Dagg out for season

That was the positive spin being put on the latest injury update provided by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen before his team's departure for their away Rugby Championship match in Buenos Aires against Argentina.

Hansen confirmed Dagg was his fourth player to have his season ended prematurely with his ongoing knee problems, but said the overall prognosis was much better than was originally feared.

Dagg's rugby year appears over

The 29-year-old injured his knee for the Crusaders in early March and required an operation, only returning to the field in late May.

He went on to play all three British and Irish Lions Tests, as well as a protagonist's role in the Crusaders' Super Rugby triumph, but was rested from the All Blacks' two Bledisloe Cup Tests against Australia.

Characterising his knee niggle as a case of "old man syndrome" last week, Dagg went on to play just fewer than 50 minutes in Saturday's 39-22 win over Argentina.

But the issue appears more serious than Dagg intimated.

Dagg back as Crusaders ring changes

He's been named on the wing for Saturday's clash with the Rebels in Melbourne.

The outside back played a half game of club rugby a fortnight ago and declared himself fit to play for the Crusaders, but he was left out of last weekend's win over the Chiefs in Suva.

Dagg hasn't played Super Rugby since March after injuring his knee against the Reds and now has two games to prove his match fitness before the All Blacks first test of the year against Samoa.

Dagg's Crusaders return on hold

Dagg travelled with the team to Suva but will only take part in promotional activities.

The 28-year-old outside back had a knee operation in mid-March but played 40 minutes of club rugby last weekend and declared himself ready to resume playing for the Crusaders.

Coach Scott Robertson disagreed and left him out of the match in Suva, where the Crusaders will be looking to retain their perfect record this season with a 12th consecutive win.

All Black Dagg will stay in NZ

RNZ reports Dagg made the announcement on social media.

"I've decided to stick around in New Zealand for the next three years and do my time with the Crusaders."

It means he will be available for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

The 28-year-old has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Hawke's Bay Magpies through to 2019, spurning offers from overseas.

Ben Smith's future 'in the balance' as NZ Rugby could lose two of big three

Now there is a very real possibility two of those three high-profile stars will leave these shores by the end of this year.

It is enough to make the All Blacks coach sit up in his summer deckchair. Should that scenario eventuate, it would again create cause for concern around the vulnerability of elite New Zealand players.

Where previously NZ Rugby have been "quietly confident" of keeping the likes of All Blacks captain Kieran Read, Owen Franks and Beauden Barrett, when it comes to Smith indications are his decision remains very much "in the balance".