England are delighted to have Hurricanes flanker Brad Shields in their ranks.

England have defended their selection of Hurricanes flanker Brad Shields against an unexpected outburst from World Rugby vice-chairman Augustin Pichot.

Shields has joined England in South Africa for their three-test series against the Springboks, granted an early and temporary release by New Zealand Rugby ahead of the player's permanent move to English club Wasps after the Super Rugby season.

Pichot, who has led a crusade against rugby's sloppy eligibility rules, felt the sight of New Zealand-raised Shields in a white England jersey reflected that "we are losing something... the game is losing something" in a lively Twitter debate.

GETTY IMAGES England coach Eddie Jones and his defence coach Paul Gustard have high hopes for Brad Shields in their setup.

But with Shields unwanted by the All Blacks and having two English parents, this was an obvious and legal route for the 27-year-old to take to achieve his dream of playing test rugby, according to the English management.

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"We're just abiding by World Rugby laws," England defence coach Paul Gustard told Sky Sports in Durban where the squad are preparing before shifting to Johannesburg for the opening test at altitude this weekend.

"He's eligible to play for England and we're delighted to have a quality player like him available."

Gustard felt there were precedents and put forward the case of English great Martin Johnson, the giant lock who had a spell with King Country in New Zealand during his developmental years before leading the men in white to their 2003 World Cup glory.

"Sometimes this happens ... you know, Martin Johnson played for New Zealand Colts," Gustard said of the legend's 1990 selection for a tour of Australia.

"But the main thing is we are not doing anything that's illegal, so we are looking forward to having him in the squad."

Gustard said Shields' first impressions in his new environment had been encouraging.

"He's obviously a very good rugby player, we know that much. He's fitted in very well ... keen to learn, very coachable and we're obviously looking forward to working with him."

Asked if Shields was ready for an instant call-up to the test team this weekend, Gustard was a bit more guarded.

"He has played a lot of high level rugby of course with the Hurricanes over the last six or seven years so he's a quality player and we've got to make some judgements on that with our selections."

England scrum coach Neal Hatley has also been impressed with the new recruit.

"The way he has assimilated into the squad has been fantastic. He has come straight in and made a beeline for the analysts so he can prepare and he looks like a very good professional," Hatley said.