Hurricanes Brad Shields runs out for his 100th match for the Hurricanes in 2018. Photo: Grant Down / www.photosport.nz
Former England international Brad Shields will captain the Hurricanes in this year's Super Rugby Pacific competition.
The experienced loose-forward and Hurricanes centurion takes over the captaincy duties from All Black Ardie Savea who will miss this year's competition having taken up a sabatical with Japanese club Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
Shields, played 103 games for the Hurricanes between 2012 and 2018, before heading off shore to play in England and France.
He played nine times for England but returned to New Zealand last year.
Shields has previously captain the Hurricanes, leading them during 2018 when Dane Coles suffered a season-ending injury.
He was also skipper of the side when they drew 31-all against the British and Irish Lions in 2017.
All Blacks midfielder Jordie Barrett and hooker Asafo Aumua have been named as vice-captains.
"I admit, after Clarky (coach Clark Laidlaw) told me I was really stoked, but I did feel a little apprehensive given I had been away for a few years... (but) what makes it more exciting is there is a handful of guys here with so much experience who I know I will turn to for support," said Shields.
Brad Shields Photo: Grant Down / www.photosport.nz
At 32 years of age Shields knows his leadership style well.
"Actions. Always by actions is how I like to lead."
"We've got a really young team this season so anywhere I can help and encourage and bring the best out of some of the young guys, and the players who have been here for a while, is what I aim for.
Laidlaw said he had been impressed by Shields attitude the moment he stepped back into camp and became an obvious choice as the right man to lead the side.
"The coaches and I do a lot of observing around leadership of the team, and it became reasonably apparent that we have several players that want to lead which is really exciting," said Laidlaw.
"But with Brad, he leads really well every day. He's a great role model around how we want to train. He's competitive as hell. He's won Super Rugby. He's a test match player and he's bigger and stronger than he's been before."
Jackie Patea-Fereti. Photo: Chris Symes / www.photosport.nz
Meanwhile former Black Fern Jackie Patea-Fereti will lead the Hurricanes Poua in Super Rugby Aupiki.
Layla Sae and Iritana Hohaia have been named as vice-captains.
"I won't lie, I wasn't expecting it," said Patea-Fereti.
"Captaincy isn't a position that anyone should take lightly. It's a position that holds a lot of Mana and responsibilities. For me, I carry my Faith, Aiga and Province."
"I am not a captain who talks a lot. I will speak if I need to, but I prefer to lead through my actions."
She was named skipper last year but suffered a season-ending injury in the first round of the competition.
