Hurricanes captain Brad Shields' dream of playing international rugby edged closer on Tuesday (NZ time) as he donned the England jersey for the first time.
Shields was put through his paces during the squad's media day, posing for a series of shots in his adopted nation's playing kit.
The flanker is part of Eddie Jones' 34-man squad to take on the Springboks this month, where they'll chase their first-ever series victory on South African soil.
After years of being overlooked by All Blacks selectors, Shields opted to declare himself available for England, for which he qualifies by way of his British parents.
New Zealand Rugby granted Shields, who has signed on with English Premiership side Wasps, a "special exception" release from his contract in order to pursue his ambitions abroad.
This Super Rugby season will be his last for the foreseeable future, as he prepares to take up a his two-year deal with London-based Wasps.
England kick-off their campaign in South Africa on Sunday at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, where Shields will be in line to make his test debut.
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