RFU eager to select Shields regardless

Brad Shields will be picked for England in June regardless of New Zealand Rugby’s protests, according to the Rugby Football Union.

The Hurricanes forward is set to move to Wasps at the completion of his Super Rugby contract, and is eligible to represent England in international rugby.

But with a contract in New Zealand, through New Zealand Rugby, the national body believes he is eligible for New Zealand and does not need to be released for England’s series against South Africa.

RFU chief executive Steve Brown believes World Rugby rules come into play, meaning he will have to be released for England despite Steve Tew’s insistence his NZ Rugby contract comes first.

reported that Brown is banking on World Rugby regulation nine, which states all players must be released for international matches.

‘‘Regulation nine is clear and understood by everybody,’’ Brown told ‘‘If we find ourselves in that situation we will rely on the World Rugby regulation.’’

NZR chief executive Tew, though, believes ‘‘the World Rugby regulations don’t apply per se because he’s committed himself to New Zealand’’.

The situation is in contrast to that of current England forward James Haskell, who looks like being frozen out of the national setup because he is leaving England.

RFU rules are much like those in New Zealand. To play for the national team, you must play in England. Because Haskell looks like moving abroad, he won’t be selected.