Israel Dagg signs with Canterbury Crusaders
Canterbury has announced that they have signed full-back Israel Dagg to a two-year contract. Dagg will join the Crusaders at the end of his Tri Nations Cup stint with the New Zealand All Blacks. Formerly with Otago, Dagg will make the trip south to Christchurch in order to join Canterbury in the ITM Cup and the Crusaders in Super 15 rugby.
Dagg has been the most sought after youngster this season when it became clear he would not be returning to Otago. Canterbury had been the favourite the whole way.
Dagg toiled with Otago for two seasons, unable to fully develop his skill with the often outplayed ITM Cup club. Similarly Dagg was not able to experience Super 15 rugby. The Move to Canterbury is thought to be attributed to the 22-year-old’s desire to win.
Dagg fills out what is an impressive Canterbury back row, chock-full of New Zealand internationals. Along with Dagg the Crusaders boasts Andy Ellis, superstar Dan Carter, possible All Black Sonny Bill Williams, Robbie Fruean, Zac Guildford, and Sean Maitland. In addition, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is set to continue his captaincy of the Crusaders next season.
The Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder had this to say of Dagg’s signing.
“We are very happy to have secured Israel for next season’s inaugural Super rugby competition and beyond. He is a special talent and we’re sure he will fit in at the Crusaders very well.”
With the addition of Dagg it is unlikely that any other squad will be able to challenge Canterbury in the 2010 ITM Cup. Moreover, Dagg brings another element to the most successful Super Rugby squad of all time.
The Crusaders have been ousted in the semi-finals of the Super 15 competition two years in a row and won the ITM cup last year.
Tags: