New Zealander avoids an All Black call-up to play for England - Ruck

New Zealander avoids an All Black call-up to play for England

The Telegraph has reported that the All Blacks are furious after Brad Shields had an offer of a call-up to the national team withdrawn.

The Hurricanes captain is instead signing for Wasps in an attempt to make England’s World Cup squad.

  • This article has been updated to clarify that Brad Shields did not snub or turn down a call-up to the All Blacks side, but that the offer was withdrawn

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The world champions are understood to believe Brad Shields has been given sufficient encouragement by England to reject Steve Hansen’s request for him to play against France last week.

He will instead defect to the Premiership next summer. However, there has been no direct contact between England and Shields, nor has he been given any guarantees.

The place in Hansen’s side became available when veteran flanker Jerome Kaino sustained a knee ligament injury but the New Zealand head coach was left stunned when the uncapped Shields said no.

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