Thomson: Brad will take fast route to the top

BRAD Shields has been tipped to quickly become an England star.

The Hurricanes and former New Zealand U20 back-row forward is a controversial pick for the Red Rose’s tour of South Africa this month having never played in the Aviva Premiership.

Shields has signed for Wasps for the start of next season, but will link up with England despite RFU directives dictating Eddie Jones can’t pick players based abroad.

Shields captained the Hurricanes against the British & Irish Lions last summer and is a strong ball carrier and contact area expert.

Shield’s Hurricanes team-mate Blade Thomson SAYS: “Brad has what it takes to succeed with England 100 per cent. I think he’s been a bit unlucky in New Zealand with the depth here.

“The number of people in front of him is scary. He’s a quality player and he deserves a chance with England.”

England’s inability to pick Toulon try-machine Chris Ashton while at the same time being able to select Shields has seen the RFU’s selection policy come under further fire.

The player is caught in the middle and having represented the All Blacks at U20 level, Shields is now determined to impress in the white shirt of England.

“Brad is one of the hardest workers I’ve seen and he always puts the team before himself,” said Scotland-qualified and Scarlets-bound Thomson.

“I do think he’s got the capability to push for higher honours. I’ve got no doubts about that.”