Brad Shields

The Hurricanes Centurion and former England international has signed for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

31 year old Shields is currently playing for French club Perpignan on a short term deal.

He left Wellington in 2018 to play for London Wasps, who last year went into administration and were relegated from the English Premiership.

His signing will help offset the loss of captain Ardie Savea, who will take a sabbatical in Japan next year.

Shields is heading to English club Wasps after the Super Rugby season and is eligible to play for England.

However his New Zealand contract means he's not allowed to play for any other country until his Super Rugby contract ends.

The England coach Eddie Jones is reported to be interested in Shields for their tour of South Africa in June.

NZR boss Steve Tew says they received a dispensation request from Shields this morning and may look on it favourably.

An English newspaper report suggests the Hurricanes loose forward might choose to throw his lot in with England as soon as November. Shields, 26, is eager to play international rugby and holds a British passport through his parents, who recently relocated to England.