Woodward was set for a final hit-out in Rebels colours against the Bulls in Pretoria early Saturday morning (AEST) before returning to his native New Zealand.
He sustained the injury in the Rebels' 34 -17 loss to the Lions last round.
Woodward, who is the club's leading point-scorer, was disappointed to miss his last match.
"I'm pretty gutted," Woodward said.
"I went up for a high ball, a restart last week and landed on my back.
"I played the rest of the game but it's been pretty niggly. I don't really want to let the boys down by being out there and not play at my best."
Telusa Veainu will move from the wing to fullback while Alex Rokobaro will come off the bench to play in the No.14 jersey.
Woodward finishes his two-year Rebels career with 210 points, including six tries in 26 matches.
