The Hurricanes have announced the return of former captain and England test international Brad Shields.
Shields will link up with the team for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, six years after leaving for Premiership giants London Wasps.
The 31-year-old was capped nine times by England, before enjoying a stint with French Top 14 outfit USA Perpignan in 2022.
But he will now return to where it all started in Wellington, with the Super Rugby centurion keen to pass on his experience to his Hurricanes' teammates.
"I'm extremely excited to rekindle my love and passion for the Hurricanes and the Hurricanes' wider community," Shield said.
"It's been a crazy few years, so I'm grateful to the Canes for giving me an opportunity to come back to Wellington and experience some Super Rugby again. I've been supporting the team from afar.
"I'm hoping I can share the experience and knowledge that I have gained over the last few years and give back to the club that has given my family and myself some amazing opportunities.
"I am excited about another challenge, working to bring some more success to the club. At the same time, I'm looking forward to connecting with some new faces, and of course, reconnecting with some old faces."
Hurricanes coach Jason Holland is delighted to bolster their already impressive back-rower stocks with the veteran.
"Before heading overseas, Brad was an integral part of the Hurricanes game and environment," he said.
"We know his qualities as a leader, and he is playing great rugby in France at the moment, and before that with Wasps.
"Shields is excited to be coming back to us and we can't wait to get him in to compete with the young talent we have in our loose forwards mix."
