The Hurricanes have confirmed that they have signed their former captain Brad Shields, who will rejoin them in 2024 after last playing for the Wellington-based club in 2018.
The back-row, who made more than 100 appearances for the Hurricanes between 2012 and 2018 has signed a deal to return to his former club in time for the the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Delighted to return to the Hurricanes
“I’m extremely excited to rekindle my love and passion for the Hurricanes and the Hurricanes’ wider community,” Shields told the Hurricanes’ official website.
“It’s been a crazy few years, so I’m grateful to the Canes for giving me an opportunity to come back to Wellington and experience some Super Rugby again. I’ve been supporting the team from afar.
“I’m hoping I can share the experience and knowledge that I have gained over the last few years and give back to the club that has given my family and myself some amazing opportunities.
“I am excited about another challenge, working to bring some more success to the club. At the same time, I’m looking forward to connecting with some new faces, and of course, reconnecting with some old faces.”
Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland is thrilled that the 31-year-old has agreed to return to the franchise for 2024.
“Before heading overseas, Brad was an integral part of the Hurricanes game and environment,” he said. “We know his qualities as a leader, and he is playing great rugby in France at the moment, and before that with Wasps.
“Shields is excited to be coming back to us and we can’t wait to get him in to compete with the young talent we have in our loose forwards mix.”
Shields made his Hurricanes debut against the Stormers in Cape Town in February 2012. Despite having just one season of provincial rugby experience under his belt, he went on to make 13 appearances at Super Rugby level during his debut season.
Shields, who is comfortable on the flank or at number eight, played in all 16 of the Hurricanes’ matches in 2013 before being hampered by a knee injury in 2014, which restricted him to only six games.
In 2017, he skippered the Hurricanes to an historic 31-31 draw against the touring British and Irish Lions side.
Appointed Hurricanes captain in 2018
Shields was named as the Hurricanes captain for the 2018 season after regular skipper Dane Coles was sidelined for the season with an ACL injury.
Shields left the Hurricanes in 2018 after playing in 103 matches to join English club Wasps. Following a four-year spell with Wasps, he joined Perpignan in 2022. He also represented England in nine internationals in 2018 and 2019.
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