Hurricanes captain Brad Shields has requested clearance to play Test rugby for England in June, forcing New Zealand Rugby officials to make a hurried ruling.
A formal request from Shields landed on the desk of NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Tew on this morning.
Tew says NZ Rugby is not obliged to release the uncapped blindside flanker, who has signed a contract with English club Wasps which begins after the Super Rugby season.
Tew says until then, Shields' current contract commits him purely to New Zealand Rugby.
However, seven seasons of service at the Hurricanes may count in the player's favour.
Tew says they are looking at it and considering the ramifications of releasing him to play for England in the middle of a competition that he's committed to.
Meanwhile in the Super Rugby tonight, the Blues will play the Highlanders at 7.35.
[Source:tvnz.com]
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