Former All Black, 2011 Rugby World Cup Winner & SENZ Breakfast Host

Izzy Dagg is one of New Zealand's most loved All Blacks of the last 15 years — a fearless fullback who scored 26 tries in 66 tests, won a Rugby World Cup at home, and now brings the same warmth, honesty and humour to breakfast radio, TV punditry and the corporate speaking stage.

Who is Izzy Dagg?

Born in Marton and raised in Hastings, Israel "Izzy" Dagg attended Lindisfarne College before making his All Blacks debut against Ireland in 2010. Of Māori and Samoan descent, he played fullback and wing for the Crusaders and All Blacks until knee injuries forced his retirement in April 2019, aged just 30.

Career Highlights

• 66 tests for the All Blacks, 26 international tries (2010–2017)

• 2011 Rugby World Cup winner (top-five player of the tournament)

• Super Rugby champion with the Crusaders (2017)

• More than 100 Super Rugby games for the Crusaders

• Represented Hawke's Bay Magpies in NPC

• One of the most-capped outside backs in All Blacks history

• Sky Sport NZ rugby commentator and analyst

• Co-host of the SENZ Breakfast show

Key Speaking Themes

• Performing under pressure on the world's biggest stage

• Resilience, identity and life after elite sport

• Mental health and the honest conversations men need to have

• Family, faith and grounding through tough seasons

• Team culture, friendship and the All Blacks environment

What Your Audience Will Gain

Izzy speaks the way he plays — direct, generous and full of heart. Audiences get the inside stories of a World Cup-winning All Blacks side and a Crusaders dynasty, plus an unusually honest account of the harder side of professional sport: retirement, identity, mental health and the long road back.

Ideal For

• After-dinner events and gala nights

• Sponsor functions and corporate hospitality

• Rugby clubs, sports awards and Magpies events

• Leadership, culture and resilience keynotes

• Mental health, men's wellbeing and community events

Frequently Asked Questions about Izzy Dagg

What does Izzy Dagg speak about? Rugby, resilience, mental health, identity beyond sport, family and the realities of life after a top-level career.

What is Izzy Dagg best known for? Being a 66-test All Black, his role in the 2011 Rugby World Cup-winning side, and his electric fullback play for the Crusaders.

Where is Izzy Dagg from? He was born in Marton and grew up in Hastings, Hawke's Bay, attending Lindisfarne College.

Why did Izzy Dagg retire from rugby? Persistent right-knee injuries that he could no longer play through pain-free. He announced retirement in April 2019.

What does Izzy Dagg do now? He commentates rugby for Sky Sport NZ, co-hosts the SENZ Breakfast radio show, works in advisory roles with the Crusaders and speaks at events.

Is Izzy Dagg available for keynotes and after-dinner events? Yes. Izzy is a popular MC, panel host and after-dinner speaker across NZ.