Will Shields be England’s new Sam Burgess?

Hurricanes captain Brad Shields could potentially be a divisive figure in England’s squad because his selection mirrors Sam Burgess’ inclusion in their disastrous 2015 World Cup campaign, according to British rugby scribes.

Shields was last week named in England’s 34-man squad to tour South Africa next month when Eddie Jones’ side faces the Springboks in three tests.

The 27-year-old loose forward qualifies to represent England through his English parents with the move coming as he prepares to join English Premiership club Wasps later this year.

But there is concern he might create a distraction in a manner similar to Burgess, who, like Shields, was fast-tracked into the England squad.

Mick Cleary of the UK’s Daily

Telegraph said Jones had every right to pick Shields but pointed out that his selection was contentious.

‘‘He has been plucked from the other side of the world, getting release from his New Zealand contract, and chosen ahead of the likes of Exeter Chiefs flanker, Don Armand, the people’s choice as the most gritty, grafting, influential back-row forward in the Premiership,’’ he wrote of Shields.

Burgess was picked ahead of centre Luther Burrell at the last World Cup when England crashed out in the group stages on home turf.

‘‘Shields has earned the approval of Jones. Now he has to win the respect of his new England team-mates,’’ Cleary added, while saying there was every chance that Shields will integrate himself into the squad smoothly.

Chris Foy of the Daily Mail said Shields could exacerbate Jones’ concerns about a lack of unity in the England ranks after three straight defeats during the Six Nations earlier this year.

‘‘Shields is a very fine player in Super Rugby, but will that translate to a very different environment over here? Wasps certainly hope and believe he will, when he joins them, but time will tell,’’ Foy wrote.

‘‘It is quite a different game to the one he has been used to playing, which is why Armand and Co have the relevant credentials. They have justified a place in the appropriate selection arena. Shields has not.

‘‘Which leads back to the unity factor. It would be human nature if some of the chosen men found it difficult to accept a hastilypromoted newcomer.

‘‘It may not even cause a ripple, but there is a chance it could, which may not help standin captain Owen Farrell’s task of forging a strong collective spirit.’’