Injury-hit Dagg faces big calls over his future

Israel Dagg is facing a difficult decision on his playing future.

With the Super Rugby season starting next weekend, the Crusaders outside back is again battling knee injuries and reduced to a spectator at training.

Coach Scott Robertson said: “We’re still going through a lot of tests with him around his knee and getting the best possible outcome . . . [and whether] he’s involved in the next few weeks or if they [medical staff] take other measures. He’s working closely with the medical group to make a decision on what’s best for him in the next few months.”

Dagg has been no stranger to injuries, and has particularly struggled with his right knee which he injured again in April last year after a long recovery which included stem cell therapy.

The 30-year-old now faces a tough decision about what’s best for the longevity of his career, with another surgery a possibility.

“It could [require an operation],” said Robertson. “That’s the thing, how big that operation is and there’s a lot of factors of what it will look like.

“And if they do operate, is it now or later? Hehas big decisions to make.”