The 30-year-old, who is equally comfortable on the wing, is expected to go under the knife to have a plate inserted which will definitely rule him out of Clermont’s end-of-season play-off games and potentially the trip to New Zealand.

Ironically the injury occurred after being tackled by international teammate Yannick Jauizon and is a major blow to France coach Marc Lievremont who is already without prop Thomas Domingo.

Rougerie was one of few French players to enhance their reputation in an otherwise disappointing RBS 6 Nations and has appeared in the last two World Cups.

But while a 30-man squad was due to be unveiled by Lievremont on Wednesday, team manager Joe Maso hinted that Rougerie may be accommodated into their plans.

"We won't take a decision until the XV de France's medical staff have given us a recommendation," said Maso.

"Aurélien was our best back during the Six Nations, I really feel for him. It's terrible.

"But if we have to enlarge the group to 32, we'll do it, and also include Thomas Domingo. The official list has to be given to the IRB on 22 August."