Former All Blacks outside back Israel Dagg has called time on his career, hanging up his boots with immediate effect.
The 30-year-old's long-term knee injury has stopped him from training and playing at an elite level, so after taking medical advice he decided to retire.
Dagg made his All Blacks test debut in 2010 and was a member of the 2011 World Cup winning squad. He's also played over 100 combined Super Rugby games with the Crusaders and Highlander and made 50 appearances for his beloved Hawke's Bay Magpies.
"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," said 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.
"On a personal note, I'm looking forward to taking on some new challenges in the future, and looking forward to spending more time with my young family."
Dagg last played for the All Blacks against Argentina in 2017 and he scored 138 points including 26 tries during his time in the black jersey.
"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," said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
"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 an exceptional player.
"We wish him, wife Daisy and his young family all the very best for what the future holds."
Newshub.
