Highlanders fullback Israel Dagg appears set to sign with the Crusaders for next year's Super 15.

Dagg, who was one of four new faces named in the All Blacks squad last Sunday, has given the strongest indication yet he wants to shift north up State Highway One. He would leave behind New Zealand's weakest franchise to join the strongest.

"I'm certain I'm Crusaders-bound. I've told my agent and I've spoken to a few people," Dagg told the sportal.co.nz website.

"I've talked to (Crusaders coach) Todd Blackadder a couple of times. I watched them this year. It's pretty special down there. Their culture and style of rugby is impressive."

Dagg's agent Simon Porter said on Wednesday no player could put pen to paper while the New Zealand Rugby Union complete its latest collective contract negotiations.

However, Porter indicated a change is imminent for the attacking fullback from Hawke's Bay who has shone in two seasons with the Highlanders.

"It's been pretty well signposted that the Crusaders are interested in him. He'll now sit down with the Highlanders before making a final decision," Porter told Radio Sport.

Dagg, who turns 22 on Sunday, was linked with the Crusaders last year but he remained with the Highlanders amid speculation the NZRU encouraged him to stay put and bolster the struggling Highlanders.

The former Junior All Black, New Zealand sevens and age group representative has been in touch with good friend and Hawke's Bay teammate Zac Guildford, who wants Dagg to join him at the Crusaders.

"We've been talking about it," Guildford said.

"He's keen to come to the Crusaders but he said that this time last year, so I won't believe him until he puts pen on paper."

Guildford is contracted to remain in Christchurch until the end of 2010, but he hoped to renegotiate beyond that.

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