Brad Shields admits featuring for England in tour of South Africa is out of his control

Hurricanes skipper Brad Shields admitted on Thursday that he is unsure about his chances of featuring for England in the upcoming tour of South Africa despite reports circulating around that he is in Eddie Jones' radar.

The 27-year-old, who has signed a new contract with English Premiership club Wasps from the 2018/19 season had requested for an early release from New Zealand Rugby with a bid to represent the red rose team for the tour of South Africa having qualified to play for the England team through his parents.

England might still have an edge according to World Rugby's Regulation Nine which states that all players must be released from club commitments during the agreed June and November international windows but New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew stated that they have enough ground to hold Shields until the end of the ongoing Super Rugby season.

"I haven't heard anything yet," said Shields when asked about his chances of being released by New Zealand Rugby.

"It's out of my control and my focus is on the game this week, and has been for the last couple of weeks.

"All I need to worry about is playing good rugby and whatever happens from here is out of my control."

In November last year, Shields turned down a place in New Zealand squad with a hope to feature for England and has not changed his stance.

"I'm heading off after Super Rugby.

"When I signed over in England (playing Tests) was obviously part of the plans. As a player, your goal is always to play at that next level and that's my goal and always has been."