BACK row prospect Zach Mercer insists he has no issues with New Zealander Brad Shields being picked for June’s tour of South Africa.
Shields’ potential selection ahead of younger home-grown candidates is viewed as a backwards step in some quarters, but former England U20s captain Mercer believes Hurricanes star Shields would fully merit a place.
Mercer, an uncapped member of England’s autumn and Six Nations squads, said: “Brad Shields captains the Hurricanes and is a very good player in Super Rugby, which is one of the best leagues in the world.
“To have him in...