South Africa have suffered a sizeable blow ahead of their outgoing tour of Europe with number eight Pierre Spies ruled out due to injury.

Spies has been forced to withdraw from the 37-man squad after undergoing an emergency operation on a broken finger on Monday.

The Blue Bulls forward sustained the injury during this season's Currie Cup campaign, with Bok coach Peter de Villiers calling up Sharks flank Jean Deysel in his place.

South Africa's team management will confirm on Tuesday how the change will impact on the composition of the team to face Leicester on Friday.