Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team's head coach Craig Philpott was buzzing after hearing his World Cup reject Israel Dagg will be available this season.
Last year Philpott and Hawke's Bay rugby officials feared Dagg would chase an overseas contract after this year's Super season with the Crusaders if he missedout on All Black selection. However Dagg told Newstalk ZB's Tony Veitch at the weekend he will remain in New Zealand until next year at least.
"That's great news for Hawke's Bay and fantastic from our perspective because Israel has been a Magpie right through his professional career," Philpott said.
"Hopefully he's not available for us because he is in the All Blacks. But if he isn't he is always welcome in our team and there will be plenty of quality competition this year with Sam [new Chief and former Hurricane McNicol] returning home," Philpott added.
A veteran of 50 first-class games for the Magpies since his 2006 debut, Dagg, told Veitch he had terminated his out clause for this year in his New Zealand Rugby Union contract.
"I will admit I was looking overseas but I had a good sit-down with New Zealand Rugby and my agent and Steve Hansen ... I'm not ready to leave. I love New Zealand too much, love being around familiar faces, I'm only 27," the 49-test outside back said.
"I'm going to be around until at least 2017 - if I make the All Blacks I will be super pumped. But I'm looking forward to getting out there and having some fun. I think that's been my problem - I've been taking it way too serious.
"When you miss out you want to pack your bags. I've got to find the fun factor. " Dagg added.
