New Zealand Rugby are not at all pleased about how England Rugby have dealt with the request for Brad Shields' services, the NZR confirmed the release of the Hurricanes skipper earlier this afternoon.
Shields has the chance to be selected in the English squad for their June Test series against South Africa.
NZR head of professional rugby's Chris Lendrum said he was baffled by the request from England Rugby.
"We're disappointed to have found ourselves in the position to receive a release request from English Rugby, but we have tried to put the athlete at the centre of our decision making and do the right thing by Brad," said Lendrum.
"Well it is not a decision we would have made, Brad hasn't yet played any rugby in the English jurisdiction. It seems highly unusual that they can't find players within their own county to pick."
Shields, 27, rejected a call-up from the All Blacks last year during New Zealand's northern hemisphere tour in November when Jerome Kaino suffered a season ending injury.
The Hurricanes loose forward is set to join England Premiership side the London Wasps at the end of the Super Rugby season.
"In the end it is their decision, Brad wants to play and we want to do the best by him," said Lendrum.
"I am really comfortable with the precedent I think we (NZ Rugby) all are, it's a unique situation and Brad is a unique person as well."
Shields represented New Zealand in the under 20s Junior World Championship in 2011.
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