Australian fly-half Brock James will miss the start of the new Top 14 season due to a heart anomaly, his French club Clermont announced on Wednesday.

"The treatment requires a minor surgical procedure which will take place in the next couple of days," Clermont explained.

"He'll be able to resume non-contact training shortly afterwards."

The 33-year-old's place will be filled by Camille Lopez, who got the nod over James for Clermont's Top 14 final appearance against Stade Francais in June despite James's dazzling semi-final display.

He came off the bench against Toulouse to kick a crucial penalty and drop goal to ensure a dramatic 18-14 victory, with Clermont going on to lose the final to Stade 12-6.
Source: AFP