England eye Hurricanes looseforward Brad Shields
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England coach Eddie Jones has his eyes on Hurricanes and Wellington loose forward Brad Shields, according to reports in the United Kingdom.
The Mail on Sunday said the 26-year-old had appeal because he had an English passport through his parents and would be instantly eligible for test selection.
They suggested if Shields didn't make the All Blacks' end-of-year tour squad he could succumb to offers from English clubs ranging around the NZ$620,000 mark.
Shields is a hard-nosed No 8 or blindside and has been on the fringes of the All Blacks squad but has been kept out by the likes of Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Jerome Kaino and Liam Squire.
"Eddie Jones would welcome the additional competition, particularly from a player who can cover multiple positions," the Mail on Sunday reported.
The former New Zealand under-17 and a under-20 player has been playing for Wellington since 2010 and the Hurricanes since 2012.
Late last year Shields played for the British Barbarians team that drew 31-31 with the Springboks.
He starred for the Hurricanes against the British and Irish Lions this year.
Shields has a British passport and would be able to represent England if he makes the move to a Premiership club.
Which club needs him the most?