France's first-choice flyhalf Camille Lopez will not play against the Springboks this month.

The 28-year-old, who will start for Clermont in Sunday's Top 14 final against Toulon, was set to join the French squad in South Africa next week.

However, he will now remain at home to undergo an operation.

'We have had a discussion, with the French team staff and that of Clermont,' said Lopez. 'I am going to use this opportunity to have an operation.'

Lopez did not explain the nature of the operation, saying it would 'remain personal'.

Photo: Gabriel Bouys/AFP Photo