G IVE him 10 years and Israel Dagg could be wearing a blue uniform, catching crooks instead of passes.
Dagg's plan to become a police officer has been put on hold for the moment, but it is still a long-term possibility. He has gone out with police in Dunedin and when his rugby career ends it is a likely option.
"It's still in the picture," the 22-year-old said. "I enjoy it, but hopefully it's 10 years or so away."
Talking to Israel outside the Magpies' Onekawa gym, he is relaxed, hands in pockets, stepping up and down the parking lot curb. He smiles and looks aside when he is asked about his successes.
"I'm still the same boy out of Wavell Place [Akina]. I'm the same with my family and cousins, I've just got to keep my head on my shoulders," Israel says, looking at partner Daisy Aitken.
His family will help, letting him know his selection to the All Blacks will not change his place in the family.
"My brother said 'You're still in the backseat, boy!' They're all reminding me I'm still the boy in the family," he said.
Daisy and Israel have lived apart for most of the last five years so she will not be the pining rugby widow.
"We're both young and we've got our own careers. I've got to be focused on my own life but I'll definitely be at his first games," she says.
They are both competitive and the couple often play golf, tennis and squash together. She is also a sports fan and not worried about the tackles he might take.
"He'll be fine, he's hard enough."
His dad is Israel's biggest fan, and his biggest influence. Not owning a car, Israel's father would cycle from Hastings to Napier to catch all of his games and yell from the sideline.
"I used to hate it but I think it helped, I would get mad and play harder," he says.
His mother worked hard to put him through Lindisfarne and he is looking forward to buying a house in the Bay for his parents to live in and look after.
"I just want to give something back to them. It's something I've wanted for a while, because they looked after me."
His unusual name is his mother's choice. Most of his siblings have uncommon names, but he has to think about where it comes from.
"She'll yell at me for forgetting, it's something like 'Son of God'. Mum's not really a church-goer but she likes different names."
For all the boys dreaming of the black jersey Israel has practical advice - set goals, work hard. "You have to work hard. You can't just be good at rugby. Eat well, train hard, be fit and sacrifice."
He would never trade it in, but there are things he has missed out on for his career.
"It is hard watching friends at uni having fun, enjoying themselves and getting an education. But they're getting debt and I'm earning money. You do lose a bit of your time to be young."
It is also bittersweet to have less time to play for the Magpies, who took him on while he was still at high school.
"It's hard to leave the team behind after four years but you want to go forward with your career. When I was little I grew up watching the stars like Christian Cullen and Jonah Lomu. It's the dream, you want to be an All Black."
As the interview finishes Israel and Daisy laugh when the photographer asks them to walk together, looking at each other. It shouldn't be too hard, he suggests to Daisy, Israel's a good looking guy, isn't he?
Daisy laughs and gives Israel an appraising look. "Oh, he's all right I guess."* Match preview, p20
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