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NZR make Brad Shields decision
By Online Editors
New Zealand Rugby have made the decision to release Hurricanes loose forward Brad Shields for England's Test series against South Africa next month.
"New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has decided it will, by special exception, release Hurricanes loose forward Brad Shields from the obligations of his contract, to be available for selection for England next month," an official statement reads.
"New Zealand Rugby Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum said while NZR believed there were clear legal grounds to decline a release request made by Shields’ agent and the RFU, NZR considered the exceptional circumstances in this case."
“Our contract agreement requires Brad to be available for only New Zealand teams until the end of his term, which expires at the end of this year’s Investec Super Rugby season,” Lendrum said in a statement.
“Having said that, Brad has been an exceptional leader inside the Hurricanes environment and a loyal servant to New Zealand Rugby.
“We have taken some time to carefully work through the complexities of this request, to ensure that we gave appropriate consideration to his specific circumstances. In the end, we are happy with the terms of his temporary release.
“We are extremely disappointed that the RFU chose to take this unusual step in seeking this release given that Brad has not yet played rugby in England.
“We are releasing Brad with our best wishes, and we hope to see him achieve his goal of playing international rugby in June.”
Brad Shields said: “I’m really appreciative that New Zealand Rugby has considered my request. I know it’s been a complex matter for them but I’m hugely grateful for their support on this.”
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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