Former Wasp Shields heads to Perpignan in Top 14

Backrow forward Brad Shields, who has been out of contract since English side Wasps were placed into administration, has joined Top 14 side Perpignan, the Catalans announced on Thursday.

Born in New Zealand to English parents, the 31-year-old was capped eight times for England in 2018 and 2019 after appearing as a New Zealand Under-20 international.

He had joined Wasps in 2018 from New Zealand Super Rugby side Hurricanes.

The two-time European champions followed Worcester Warriors in being suspended from the English Premiership for financial problems.

The four-time English title winners were hit by a winding-up order from tax authorities for £2 million ($2.25 million) in unpaid tax and they also faced having to repay a £35 million bond that had helped finance their relocation to Coventry in 2014.

Shields follows former teammate Biyi Alo to France with the prop having signed last week for Racing 92.

Perpignan, who needed to replace long-term injury absentee Matthieu Ugena, are currently bottom of the Top 14. They host Lyon on Saturday.