Brad Shields’ long England journey goes to Twickenham via Wembley
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It is a great piece of sporting trivia: name the England rugby international who has played at Wembley but has never visited Twickenham, until now, in his life?
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Brad Shields’s only previous Test caps both came in South Africa in June but exactly two years ago he could be found at the home of football, clad in the black and white hoops of the Barbarians as they drew 31-31 with the Springboks. Little did he guess, as a provincial player based in New Zealand, that he would one day face the same opponents in the white shirt of England. What a journey it has been for the 27-year-old.
The bearded Kiwi-raised flanker may resemble a member of ZZ Top but his story also has echoes of AC/DC: it is a long way to the top if you want to ruck and maul. As recently as last year he was turning out for the Hurricanes against the British & Irish Lions and nursing faint hopes of becoming an All Black. To suggest his life has been turned upside down is an understatement.