Brad Shields seek clearance from New Zealand Rugby in bid to feature for England

Hurricanes captain Brad Shields has requested New Zealand Rugby to release him early from the contract as he aims to feature for England in the upcoming summer series against South Africa.

Shields has signed a contract with the Super Rugby club Hurricanes until the end of the ongoing season and had earlier confirmed that he will switch to Premiership Rugby club Wasps in August.

In November last year, Shields turned down a place in New Zealand squad with a hope to feature for Eddie Jones' side having qualified to play for the England team through his parents.

With reports emerging that Jones is serious about Shields' inclusion in the June tour of South Africa, the 27-year-old has now filed a formal request for the release as confirmed by NZ Rugby boss Steve Tew.

England might still have an edge according to World Rugby's Regulation Nine which states that all players must be released from club commitments during the agreed June and November international windows but Tew feels NZ Rugby has enough ground to hold on to Shields until his contract ends.

"I don't think you should jump to the conclusion that he will be available from our point of view," said Tew.

"He has signed to New Zealand and he is contracted to play for New Zealand teams until the end of Super Rugby.

"We have a New Zealand player who is contracted to be here until the end of that competition and that would be our expectation.

"We are obligated to release players who have signed to play for other countries so they have made themselves unavailable for New Zealand.

"We always make sure that occurs and that is of particular relevance to the Pacific countries. But in this instance, Brad has signed a contract that makes him available for New Zealand teams."