England could have a new star for the 2019 World Cup if versatile Brad Shields turns his back on the All Blacks, the Mail on Sunday has reported.
Shields, 26, captained the Hurricanes against the British & Irish Lions, and has been touted to Aviva Premiership clubs for upwards of £350,000 ($622,000) per year.
Shields has an English passport through his parents so would be eligible if he moves during the Northern Hemisphere summer, with one director of rugby claiming he would stand a "very good" chance of test selection.
Capable of playing No 8 or blindside flanker, uncapped Shields is stuck on the fringes of the All Blacks squad.
It is understood that he has now set his sights on the World Cup, the Mail on Sunday reported, and could push for the switch if he does not feature during November's European tour in November.
