Brad Shields: Wasps sign Hurricanes captain for 2018-19 season

Shields captained the Hurricanes to a 31-31 draw against the British and Irish Lions

England's back row "need to up their game" after Wasps announced the signing of Hurricanes captain Brad Shields, says ex-England centre Jeremy Guscott.

New Zealand-born Shields, who qualifies for England through his parents, will join Wasps during next season.

The 26-year-old helped Wellington Hurricanes to a Super Rugby title in 2016 and led the side to a draw against the British and Irish Lions in June.

"The players will all be wary of him," said Guscott.

"The players were all put on notice he was coming so they will have to sharpen up."

A Premiership Rugby spokesman told BBC Sport that Shields will "likely be classed as an English Qualified Player" but "nothing can be confirmed until he arrives at Wasps and his registration is completed".

Shields was part of the New Zealand Under-20s side that retained the Junior IRB World Championship title in 2011 but has never been capped by the All Blacks.

And his move to England rules him out of selection because of their policy of not picking overseas players.

"I'm really excited for the new opportunity to join Wasps," he said.

"I think the club plays a similar style of rugby to the Hurricanes. I'm looking forward to joining the squad after my playing commitments to the Hurricanes finish in 2018."

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young added: "Alongside his natural talent, Brad is recognised for his immense physicality and high work-rate.

"He has made a number of eye-catching performances, particularly at number eight, but his versatility to play at six will also be beneficial."

England host Samoa at Twickenham on 25 November in their final autumn international, having recorded wins against Argentina and Australia.

• Get all the latest rugby union news by adding notifications in the BBC Sport app.