The Hurricanes wing Cory Jane has hinted that Israel Dagg is set to join Ben Smith in re-signing with New Zealand Rugby with an eye on the 2019 World Cup.
The All Blacks celebrate an Israel Dagg try. Photo: Photosport
Smith will reportedly ink a new deal to stay in New Zealand after turning down a multimillion dollar offer from French Top 14 club Pau.
Midi Olympique reports the Highlanders co-captain decided the stay in New Zealand until after the All Blacks World Cup title defence in Japan.
Ben Smith pins his ears back. Photo: Photosport
Smith and All Blacks team-mate Dagg are both off contract following the British and Irish Lions tour in June and both have been linked with big money deals offshore.
All Black Aaron Cruden recently signed with French club Montpellier and will join them at the end of the Super Rugby season.
Former All Black Jane, who's just returned to the Hurricanes from a stint in Japan, and is a good friend of Dagg's says both Smith and Dagg will stay in New Zealand.
Cory Jane Photo: Photosport
Hurricanes winger Cory Jane Photo: PhotoSport
"They both played brilliant last season, so they've still got another couple of years that they can fulfil their All Black dreams. The money and the opportunity to try a different team, a different country is going to be there for them in a couple of years just like it is now so good on them staying."
Jane wouldn't confirm that Dagg had told him he was staying in New Zealand, but appeared to let it slip.
He is a notorious joker though, so his comments should be taken with a grain of salt.
Jane said his All Black dreams are over, he's just looking forward to helping the Hurricanes try and defend their title.
-RNZ
