Brad Shields will captain the Wellington Lions in their NPC title defence

The veteran loose forward - and Hurricanes co-captain - succeeds new All Black Du'Plessis Kirifi who led the team for six seasons, including two titles.

Shields says it's an honour to lead his hometown union.



Wellington open their season hosting Canterbury at Porirua Park on Saturday afternoon.

Elsewhere, Cullen Grace has been appointed Canterbury captain and former All Blacks halfback Finlay Christie will skipper Tasman.

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