Brad Shields, Jordie Barrett return for table-leading Hurricanes / Photo: Marty MELVILLE - AFP/File
-
Britain considers 2027 state visit for Ukraine’s Zelensky
-
Khawaja says entire Australia camp knew of 2018 ball-tampering plan
-
China and Gabon Upgrade Ties to 'Shared Future' Amid Strategic Pact
-
الميزانية الكندية تقترح رفع سقف التأمين على الرهون العقارية إلى 1.5 مليون دولار
-
عائلة مراهقة ترفع دعوى ضد جوجل لادعاء التقصير في حماية طالب من الانتحار عبر الذكاء الاصطناعي
-
German Auto Giants Face Existential Crisis as China Sales Plummet
-
Microsoft Xbox App Update for PC Delivers 60% Faster Startup and Redesigned Interface
-
California Mothers Leave Corporate Jobs for Entrepreneurship Amid Cost of Living Crisis
-
بودكاست 'شتامبلايتس': تحليل أفضل تسديدة في الدوري الألماني
Brad Shields, Jordie Barrett return for table-leading Hurricanes
Ex-England flanker Brad Shields and All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett will return for the Wellington Hurricanes when the Super Rugby leaders host the mid-table Melbourne Rebels on Friday.
New Zealand-born Shields, 32, missed the start of the season with a foot injury.
He captains the Hurricanes for the first time in six years, having rejoined in 2023 after playing for English club Wasps and French side Perpignan. He made nine Test appearances for England.
"It's really good to have Brad back," the Hurricanes' Scottish head coach Clark Laidlaw said on Wednesday.
"He's itching to get started after training fully now for a couple of weeks. He not only provides a strong running and defensive game, but exceptional leadership as well."
Barrett rejoins the starting side after serving a suspension for a high tackle in the win over the Queensland Reds in early March. His centre partner Ngane Punivai makes his Hurricanes debut.
The Hurricanes are chasing a fifth straight win at the start of the season.
P.Tamimi--SF-PST
