Vodacom Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe has ruled himself out of Springbok contention.

Van der Merwe was a surprise omission from the 44-man squad for the Bok training camp in Joburg, but Heyneke Meyer has since revealed that it was the player's choice not to be involved.

'Flip is not available for international rugby at the moment,' Meyer told reporters. 'It's a big setback as I've always rated him and he is an enforcer.

'You need an enforcer for international rugby and he can play at No 5 as well. He would be in this squad but unfortunately he isn't available.'

Van der Merwe has played 35 Tests since making his debut in 2010. His Bulls contract expires at the end of 2015 after which he will join Clermont in France.

Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images