Cape Town - Western Province hooker Scarra Ntubeni on Friday received a Springbok call-up for their end of year tour to replace the injured Robbie Coetzee.
"Robbie has been struggling with a pinched nerve in his neck for a few months," Springbok doctor Craig Roberts said in a statement.
"It flared up again after our training session on Tuesday afternoon and he was withdrawn from all training for the rest of the week."
The medical team made the final decision after consulting with his franchise, the Golden Lions.
"After seeking specialist opinions it was decided that, due to his current functional impairment, it was in his best interests for the long term to withdraw him from the tour."
Ntubeni played an influential role during Province's Currie Cup clinching campaign last month.
The Boks face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday in their Tour opener. Coach Heyneke Meyer's men clash against England at Twickenham on November 15, Italy in Padova on November 22 and Wales in Cardiff on November 29.