IF there’s one rugby nation that England should not take any lectures from when it comes to adopting players from other countries it is New Zealand. The froth of Kiwi indignation at the decision by the Hurricanes captain Brad Shields to declare for England is laughable, especially as nobody twisted his arm.
Both Shields parents are English, and have returned from NZ to live in England, so there are no questions about his immediate eligibility under World Rugby regulations. In addition, he is joining an English club, Wasps, next season.
However, it didn’t take long for the New Ze...