Israel Dagg to remain with Crusaders despite retirement – 'We contracted him to do a job for us'

He's finished his time playing but that doesn't mean Israel Dagg is leaving the Crusaders early - far from it according to coach Scott Robertson.

Dagg announced this morning he was retiring from all rugby due to ongoing issues with his injured knee but Robertson said the former All Black still has plenty of work to do at the Christchurch club.

"He's a big part of the culture," Robertson said.

"He's a Crusader. We contracted him to do a job for us and now it's just not on the field, it's off the field and he'll play a big part."

"He's just himself and that's what we love about him."

Robertson said the 30-year-old has plenty of experience to offer younger members of the team with 66 All Blacks Tests and 89 matches for the Crusaders to draw from.

"He had an amazing ability to create something on the field that no-one else can."