England to monitor Brad Shields' progress at Wasps in 2018

Image: Brad Shields will join Wasps from the Hurricanes at the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season

England will monitor the progress of Brad Shields when the New Zealand U20 back row joins Wasps next season.

Shields qualifies for the Red Rose through his parents and having yet to make his All Blacks debut, would be an option for Eddie Jones if he impresses at the Ricoh Arena.

The 26-year-old will arrive in Coventry after the completion of the Hurricanes' 2018 Super Rugby campaign.

Shields was among the tryscorers in Wellington's Mitre 10 Championship win over Bay of Plenty last month

"Alongside his natural talent, Brad is recognised for his immense physicality and high work-rate," said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.

"He has made a number of eye-catching performances, particularly at No 8, but his versatility to play at six will also be beneficial."

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Shields captained the Hurricanes against the British and Irish Lions during the summer and was named in an All Blacks training squad in 2012.

He was part of the New Zealand team that won the IRB Junior World Championship in 2011 while he also claimed silverware with the Hurricanes in 2016 when they defeated the Lions in the Super Rugby final.

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"I'm really excited for the new opportunity to join Wasps," he said. "I think the club plays a similar style of rugby to the Hurricanes and feel I will fit in nicely.

"The club competes well across all the competitions and it's going to be the perfect place for my young family to settle.

"I'm looking forward to joining the squad after my playing commitments with the Hurricanes finish in 2018."

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