His former club, the Blue Bulls, have said they will evaluate the injury before deciding whether to re-sign the player.

BBC: SPORT | Rugby Union | English | Injury forces Cronje out of Quins

Botha wants to join Toulon from his current Super 14 side the Blue Bulls and has already signed a contract with the French second division club.

BBC: Strike threat to Springbok tour

But those thought to be under consideration are Chester Williams, a 1995 World Cup winner, Springbok backs coach Allister Coetzee and Pieter de Villiers, the national Under-21 and Emerging Springboks coach, and Blue Bulls boss Heyneke Meyer.

BBC: White confirms South Africa exit