England expect former Hurricanes flanker Brad Shields to resume full training in the week leading up to their Six Nations tournament opener against Ireland next Sunday.

Shields, who has four England caps has been struggling with a side strain and has not been able to train with his teammates at England's training base in Portugal.

But England forwards Coach Steve Borthwick has refused to rule Shields out of the clash with Six Nations champions Ireland in Dublin next weekend.

England will face Ireland at 4.45am next Sunday in the opening match of the Six Nations Competition.

[Source: stuff]