Cape Town - SA Rugby has reportedly instructed Duane Vermeulen to report for Springbok duty on June 5, irrespective of any sanctions his French club Toulon may impose on him.

According to Rapport, if the No 8 fails to do this, he will be obliged to put his retirement from international rugby in writing to SA Rugby in order for him to play for Toulon in June.

The former Stormers hard-man would then not be allowed to play Test rugby for at least six months.

According to World Rugby regulations, clubs have to release their players for the June Test window.

However, ambitious Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal recently said he would not pay players if they left during the June Test window.

The Springbok squad announcement for the three-Test series against Ireland will take place on Saturday (May 28).