Israel Dagg scores the opening try for the All Blacks in their final test of 2016 against France in Paris.

All Blacks outside back Israel Dagg has confirmed the details of his next contract - signing with New Zealand Rugby through to 2019.

Dagg, 28, was reported to have been chased by French club Toulon and Irish side Leinster but the lure of the All Blacks jersey has proved too strong as he and wife Daisy, who is expecting the couple's first child, elected to remain in Christchurch.

Dagg will continue to play for Hawke's Bay and the Crusaders and look to extend his All Blacks career. The lure of the 2019 World Cup in Japan proved too strong.

"There's no doubt that there were some attractive offers to consider," Dagg said. "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.

"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."



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Despite fellow All Blacks fullback/wing Ben Smith announcing last week that he had re-signed with NZ Rugby through to 2020, it appears Dagg isn't worried about the fierce competition for places in the backline; he wants to try and add to the 61 test caps he has accumulated since his debut against Ireland in New Plymouth in 2010.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said that signing a player of Dagg's ability and versatility was a "major lift" for all levels of rugby in New Zealand.

"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," Hansen said.

"Having secured two key players back to back, I think it's important to again pay tribute to all the parties involved in the deal, including the Essentially Group and everyone at New Zealand Rugby. This is a massive achievement and their role in getting two big deals across the line should be recognised."

So ive decided to stick around till 2019.. thank you @crusadersrugbyteam @hawkesbaymagpies & @allblacks for allowing me an my wee family @daisydagg for this amazing oppourtunity.. A video posted by israel akuhata dagg (@izzy_dagg) on Feb 12, 2017 at 12:28pm PST

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson commended Dagg's sense of loyalty and pride in the teams he represents.

"We have an idea about the sort of offers that players of Israel's calibre are presented with from overseas, and it can never be easy for a player to turn that down. But Izzy is a player who, for all of his natural talent, has never taken his place in a team for granted," Robertson said. "He has experienced disappointment, and that has only increased his appreciation and determination. He is such a positive influence on this team, on and off the field, so we couldn't be happier to have him sticking around."

Dagg's re-signing is another good effort from New Zealand Rugby on difficult the player retention front, as they battle rich offshore clubs.

Smith, the All Blacks vice-captain and Highlanders co-captain, was also chased by northern outfits. French side Pau were eager to add him to their squad, but Smith said he and his wife Katie elected to bring up their young family in New Zealand.

Another All Black Aaron Cruden has already announced he will move to French club Montpellier on a multi-million dollar deal once he has completed his Super Rugby duties with the Chiefs.

Several days ago All Blacks coach Steve Hansen reckoned Dagg was an "80-20" chance of staying.

Crusaders assistant coach Leon MacDonald recently indicated Dagg would remain in New Zealand, saying he was confident he would be on the Super Rugby club's books for a few more seasons.

Dagg, who missed the 2015 World Cup, proved his worth to the All Blacks selectors when he forced his way back into the team last year and made 12 test appearances.

An injury during Super Rugby limited his chances of impressing the selectors in 2015 and he was bitterly disappointed to miss the global tournament.

A resurgence in form last year, however, was enough to convince Hansen and fellow selectors Ian Foster and Grant Fox he deserved inclusion in the All Blacks squad and he proved equally valuable on the wing or at fullback.





