Rugby World Cup
Israel Dagg heads for shoulder surgery, no longer offers All Blacks injury cover
ESPN Staff
October 1, 2015
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Israel Dagg has called time on his season of disappointment, the Crusaders, Hawke's Bay and former New Zealand full-back heading for surgery after dislocating his right shoulder in the Magpies' Ranfurly Shield defence against Auckland at McLean Park in Napier.

Dagg's need for surgery means his is no longer available to provide injury cover to the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup campaign in England and Wales.

"It's been a tough year but life goes on," Dagg said to Radio Sport in New Zealand in description of a campaign that had previously seen multiple calf issues before he missed selection got the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup defence.

Dagg said of his omission from the All Blacks' squad that "you always hope that you're going to make it but I kind of expected it probably to be the phone call that wasn't wanted but I was ready for it".

"I've been enjoying my time in Hawke's Bay in the ITM Cup and then obviously my shoulder ... "next year I want to have a big year. I wanted to have a big year this year. I was feeling in great form and great nick for the Crusaders but these bloody calves kept tearing and affecting me."

Dagg is determined to make an impact again when he returns after his surgery, saying he was "not done with".

"I'm 27-years-old and I've got a few good years ahead of me to do the best I can," Dagg said. "I'm looking forward to that challenge and I can't wait to get back into rugby."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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