Bakkies Botha may push back his playing retirement until November next year to help Toulon during the World Cup.
With many of their foreign stars set for participation in rugby's showpiece event in England, the veteran second rower may postpone his end-of-season retirement date to help offset the losses according to French website Rugbyrama.
Botha announced his retirement from international rugby following the Springboks' victory over Italy in Padova, stating that this season would be his last.
The 35-year-old won the Top 14 and Heineken Cup with Toulon earlier this year, and is hoping for more silverware before calling it a day on his glittering career.
Toulon look set to lose second row Georgia star Konstantin Mikautadze, along with France pair Jocelino Suta and Romain Taofifénua depending on call-ups for the World Cup next year.
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