Rugby: England name eight uncapped players for South African tour - including Brad Shields

Hurricanes loose forward Brad Shields has been named in England's squad to tour South Africa in June just hours after his eligibility was confirmed by New Zealand Rugby.

NZR announced on Thursday they would allow Shields to represent England by "special exemption" and the 27-year-old was one of eight uncapped players named in Eddie Jones' squad.

The Hurricanes captain, set to link up with Wasps at the end of the year, had been released from his contractual obligations by NZR for the three-week international window. As a result, he'll have a chance to make his international debut against the Springboks.

Despite being heavily backed for inclusion by club coach Johann Ackermann, another Kiwi - Jason Woodward - didn't get the nod.

Jason Woodward won't play for England in South Africa. Photo / Getty

The 27-year-old Gloucester fullback has had a stand-out season since joining from Bristol last season, scoring twice in his last four games and being named man of the match in the Challenge Cup semi-final win over Newcastle Falcons.

Woodward, who qualifies for England through his grandmother, earlier played for Wellington, and the Hurricanes in Super Rugby.

England will play South Africa in three tests, in Johannesburg on June 9, Bloemfontein on June 16, and Cape Town on June 23.

England

Backs: Mike Brown (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Nathan Earle (Saracens) *, Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), Denny Solomona (Sale Sharks), Danny Cipriani (Wasps), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Leicester Tigers), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Cameron Redpath (Sale Sharks) *, Dan Robson (Wasps) *, Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Spencer (Saracens) *, Ben Te'o (Worcester Warriors), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).

Forwards: Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Ben Earl (Saracens) *, Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs) *, Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens) , Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Brad Shields (Hurricanes/ Wasps) *, Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Jack Willis (Wasps) *, Mark Wilson (Newcastle), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs)

* - uncapped