http://www.allblacks.com/news/13168/Dagg-a-CrusaderRookie All Black Israel Dagg is set to be the latest star signing for the Crusaders.
The 21-year-old Hawke's Bay fullback has spent two years at the struggling Highlanders and appears to have had enough.
He considered the same move before this year's Super 14 when his best mate and fellow Bay flyer Zac Guildford transferred from the Hurricanes to the seven-time champion franchise.
But Hawke's Bay coach Peter Russell, who is also assistant coach of the Highlanders, convinced the silky goal-kicking No.15 to stick it out for another season.
The Dunedin-based franchise finished 12th this year, while the Crusaders were losing semi-finalists.
The lure of Guildford and after several meetings with Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, Dagg revealed to Sportal on Tuesday his mind is made up.
"I'm certain I'm Crusader-bound," Dagg said.
"I've told my agent and I've spoken to a few people. I've talked to Todd a couple of times. I watched them this year. It's pretty special down there. Their culture and style of rugby is impressive."
"Zac loved it and said he had a great time and it's a good team to be a part of. It's one of the best franchises in the world. It's a great opportunity to be a part of that and expand my game."
"I've loved playing with Zac, so the more opportunity I get to play with him the better."
He expected to make a formal announcement this week, although Crusaders officals said the new franchise contracts would not be in place for at least a couple of weeks.
After his selection in the first All Black's squad of the year, Dagg was confident of nailing a permanent starting fullback role at the Crusaders.
He was excited to experience the All Black's culture you see on television, but was nervous and couldn't imagine what playing a Test for your country would be like.
Although both Dagg and Guildford will turn out for the Red and Blacks, if they are not selected in the All Black's Tri Nations squad they would return to Hawke's Bay for ITM Cup duties.
The pair is considered two of New Zealand's best young talents.
Guildford said he had tried to entice his mate to join him and also made light of Dagg's indecision last year.
"We've been talking about it," Guildford said of Dagg's impending move. "He's keen to come to the Crusaders, but he said that this time last year so I won't believe him until he puts pen on paper."
Guildford is contracted to remain in Christchurch until the end of 2010, but he hoped to renegotiate beyond that.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time down there. It's a great environment. There's a great bunch of guys with no egos who are all willing to help each other. I wouldn't change anything. I made the right move," he said.
I'm sure Dagg will benefit from joining the Crusaders, however I think Crusaders stealing the young talent from other NZ franchises is a bit of a worry. Robert Fruen, Zac Guildford and now Israel Dagg...In 3-4 years time, when those players hit their peaks, Crusaders backline will be pretty amazing, especially considering Colin Slade and Sean Maitland are still very young.