Widely respected Hurricanes captain Brad Shields played the last of his 103 Super Rugby matches for the club in the semifinal loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch.

While he was always on the cusp of All Blacks selection, Shields took an opportunity to play international rugby when he was selected by England coach Eddie Jones for the three-test tour of South Africa.

Shields was eligible for England through his parents who were born there.

He will be remembered by Hurricanes fans for his professional attitude in everything he did in and around the club, both on and off the field.