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Hurricanes loose forward and captain Brad Shields could find himself wearing a red rose across his chest as early as June, should Eddie Jones select him for England’s mid-year series against the Springboks.
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The Telegraph report that as Shields is set to join Aviva Premiership side London Wasps next season, England coach Eddie Jones will be able to select him.
It was also reported that Jones – already set to be without Courtney Lawes and Nathan Hughes – may be looking to rest some players who were involved in last year’s Lions tour, opening the door further for Shields to claim a back row spot.
Shields would join in similar fashion to Piers Francis, who represented England for their tour of Argentina while still playing for the Blues in Super Rugby.
Following the series, Shields would return to New Zealand and see out the rest of the season with the Hurricanes before heading to London.
Shields qualifies for England through his parents, and will likely be in the mix once the 2019 Rugby World Cup rolls around.
The All Blacks and England are set to clash at Twickenham in November, where Shields will likely match up against several former teammates.
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