England hopeful Brad Shields has admitted the chances of him donning a white shirt in South Africa this June are out of his control.
The Hurricanes captain, who qualifies for England through his parents, has agreed to join Wasps at the end of the current Super Rugby season.
Shields, 27, has expressed an interest in being released for the three-Test series against the Springboks, but he remains contracted to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) until he leaves for Coventry.
NZR are under no obligation to make him available, and with Hurricanes facing up to six matches following the international window Shields admitted he is yet to hear anything about the decision.
"It's out of my control and my focus is on the game this week, and has been for the last couple of weeks," he said.
"All I need to worry about is playing good rugby and whatever happens from here is out of my control."
Shields is seen as a potential solution to England's back-row injury woes. Nathan Hughes and Courtney Lawes are definitely out of the tour while Billy Vunipola is yet to play again since fracturing his arm in January.
"When I signed over in England playing Tests was obviously part of the plans," Shields added.
"As a player, your goal is always to play at that next level and that's my goal and always has been."