Hurricanes loose forward Brad Shields says the announcement of his pending move to England will allow him to focus fully on his final season of Super Rugby.

Shields will leave New Zealand Rugby at the conclusion of the Hurricanes 2018 Investec Super Rugby  campaign after signing up to play for Wasps in England.

"It's good to have my playing future confirmed nice and early so I can focus 100 per cent on the Hurricanes," he said. "I'm passionate about the Hurricanes and I'll be doing everything I can to make sure I give everything I've got to my final season at the club."

Shields said taking the decision to leave New Zealand Rugby was a tough one, but right one for himself and his family.

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee said Shields had made a big contribution to the club on and off the field since his debut in 2012.

"His professionalism in our environment day in day out, and his consistency on the field, has been a valuable asset to the club and I'm sure he will be a major influence again in 2018.

"We will miss having Brad as part of the set up next season, but we are pleased for him and his family that they have secured the next chapter of their lives in England."

Shields has played 86 matches for the Hurricanes heading into the 2018 Investec Super Rugby season.