Former All Blacks player Israel Dagg has revealed the profound personal challenges he faced after retiring from professional rugby in 2019 due to a persistent knee injury. Dagg, who represented New Zealand in 66 matches, described a period of identity crisis and the disintegration of his family relationships in the immediate aftermath of his career-ending decision.
"You go from having everything done... people doing your laundry, your car... and as soon as you retire, bang, you’re gone," Dagg said on the Between Two Beers Podcast. "That period from retirement to a few years ago, was crazy."
Dagg's struggles were compounded by the death of his mother, Horiana, from cancer. "(I) retired, mum died, and (I) hit rock bottom," he continued.
During this difficult time, Dagg sought distractions through parties and other experiences. In 2023, at his lowest point, he moved away from his family, though he has since rekindled his relationship with his wife, Daisy. The 2011 Rugby World Cup winner acknowledged the harm he caused, stating, "I hurt a lot of people. I embarrassed my family. That will live with me for the rest of my life."
Dagg has since worked to overcome this dark period and shared his approach to recovery. "You gotta own it. You f***** up," he advised. "Like for me, I used depression as an excuse. Look in the mirror, and that person in the mirror, and if you can comfortably own your s***, it’s a great feeling."
He now co-hosts a podcast with former teammate Stephen Donald and maintains a significant presence on Instagram, with over 129,000 followers.