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Hurricanes announce return of ex-England international Shields
By Kim Ekin
The Hurricanes have made a signing announcement today, bringing back their former star player and England international, Brad Shields, who played for the club 103 times before departing in 2018.
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Shields departed the Hurricanes in 2018 after 103 games and one Super Rugby title to link up with Wasps, and following their financial issues, French Top 14 side USA Perpignan.
Whilst at Wasps he was capped by Eddie Jones’ England side and played nine Tests between in 2018 and 2019.
After a four-year absence, Hurricane No 184 will return to Wellington for the 2024 Super Rugby season, and he couldn’t be more thrilled.
“I’m extremely excited to rekindle my love and passion for the Hurricanes and the Hurricanes’ wider community. It’s been a crazy few years, so I’m grateful to the Canes for giving me an opportunity to come back to Wellington and experience some Super Rugby again. I’ve been supporting the team from afar,” said Shields.
“I’m hoping I can share the experience and knowledge that I have gained over the last few years and give back to the club that has given my family and myself some amazing opportunities.
“I am excited about another challenge, working to bring some more success to the club. At the same time, I’m looking forward to connecting with some new faces, and of course, reconnecting with some old faces.”
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Hurricanes head coach, Jason Holland, is delighted to have Shields back in the team and believes that he will add tremendous value with his leadership qualities and on-field performance.
“Before heading overseas, Brad was an integral part of the Hurricanes game and environment. We know his qualities as a leader, and he is playing great rugby in France at the moment, and before that with Wasps. Shields is excited to be coming back to us, and we can’t wait to get him in to compete with the young talent we have in our loose forwards mix,” said Holland.
Shields is a Hurricanes Centurion and made his debut against the Stormers in Cape Town on 25 February 2012.
He played 13 matches during his debut season and all 16 Hurricanes matches in 2013.
He also captained the Hurricanes to a historic 31-31 draw against the touring British and Irish Lions side in 2017.
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