All Black Israel Dagg: 3 Years Sober After Depression Battle
Former rugby star Israel Dagg opened up about his five-year battle with depression and alcoholism after retirement, sharing how he rebuilt his life and has now been sober for nearly three years. His honest story about losing his identity and finding hope again is helping other athletes navigate similar struggles.
When Israel Dagg's rugby career ended with a knee injury in 2019, the 66-test All Black lost more than a sport. He lost himself.
The now 38-year-old recently opened up on the Between Two Beers podcast about his five-year struggle with depression and alcohol after retiring from professional rugby at age 30. The transition from elite athlete to everyday life left him questioning everything he knew about himself.
"If I'm not an All Black, who am I?" Dagg asked himself during those dark years. He went from having every detail of his life managed by a professional team to suddenly being alone without structure, purpose, or the identity that had defined him since he was young.
He stopped exercising, gained weight, and turned to alcohol while trying to recreate the highs he experienced during his playing days. Dagg admits he wasn't a good husband, father, or friend during that period.
His wife Daisy described 2023 as "a shocking year" when Israel moved to Auckland to live alone, leaving her to care for their two young children while encouraging him to get help. "To be with someone with severe depression is one of the hardest things to go through in life," she told the podcast.
The turning point came when Dagg stopped making excuses and accepted responsibility for his actions. He sought professional help and committed to sobriety.
Why This Inspires
Dagg's recovery shows the power of honesty and accountability. By sharing his lowest moments publicly, he's helping break down the stigma around mental health struggles, especially for elite athletes who face unique challenges when their careers end.
His gratitude for his wife standing by him and his relief that his children were too young to remember his drinking years reveals how far he's come. Today, he describes himself as "truly blessed" to wake up with his family and live the life he has now.
Nearly three years sober, Dagg represents hope for anyone struggling with the loss of identity, depression, or addiction.
His message is clear: recovery is possible, asking for help is strength, and the life waiting on the other side is worth fighting for.
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Based on reporting by Stuff NZ
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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