Dagg won’t leave New Zealand early

Editor

Israel Dagg is staying in New Zealand for the forseeable future after terminating an out-clause in his contract.

Dagg, who has 49 caps, missed out on New Zealand's Rugby World Cup win in England last year.

However he has removed an out-clause from his contract that would have allowed him to leave New Zealand this year.

The 27-year-old added that he wanted to enjoy his rugby more having been "too serious" in the past.

Dagg is set to play a key role for the Crusaders in the upcoming Super Rugby season following the departures of senior players in Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

"I've terminated my out clause for this year and I'm going to be around until at least 2017," Dagg told Newstalk ZB.

"I will admit I was looking overseas but I had a good sit down with New Zealand Rugby and my agent and Steve Hansen … I'm not ready to leave.

"I love New Zealand too much, love being around familiar faces, I'm only 27.

"I'm going to be around until at least 2017 – if I make the All Blacks I will be super-pumped. But I'm looking forward to getting out there and having some fun. I think that's been my problem – I've been taking it way too serious.

"When you miss out you want to pack your back. I've got to find the fun factor. When I was young I'd go out there and play what I see."