Aust's Drew Mitchell to undergo groin op

French rugby union club Toulon says Australia back Drew Mitchell needs an operation for a groin injury and will miss the rest of the season.

Mitchell, 32, who has scored 34 tries in 70 test matches - including 14 in rugby world cups - was part of the Wallabies side that reached last year's World Cup final, losing to New Zealand.

Toulon said in a statement on Thursday that Mitchell - who can play at winger or fullback - has been hampered by a groin problem "for several months" and will have the operation "over the next few days" in order to be fresh for next season.

The operation rules Mitchell out of Australia's three-test home series against England in June.