Goosen hangs up boots
THE mercurially talented Springbok utility back, Johan Goosen, has dramatically quit professional rugby in his desperation to leave French club Racing 92.
The Parisian club confirmed that the 24-year-old had informed them he was retiring from rugby to take up a commercial director post in South Africa.
Details of Goosen’s new career are vague.
It was an open secret on the recent Bok tour to Britain and Italy‚ in which Goosen featured at fullback against Wales and on the bench against England and Italy‚ that he wanted out of his French deal.
Club president Jacky Lorenzetti revealed the news on the club’s website.
“Goosen‚ whose contract was overwhelmingly restructured a year ago‚ now claims to be free in an incredible way‚” a shocked Lorenzetti said.
“He has announced today that he has taken the incredible decision to end his playing career‚ to return to South Africa for a strong role as a commercial director.
“We regret that such a talented player has gone astray and decided to abandon professional rugby as it seems obvious that the role of commercial director is incompatible with high-level sport.”
The club president indicated there may have been differences of opinion between Goosen and the club coaches.
Lorenzetti also warned that Goosen and his agent might face legal action from the club.
Goosen‚ who played the bulk of his rugby at centre for Racing last season when they won the French Top 14 and the European Champions Cup‚ recently signed an extension on his contract, keeping him in Paris until 2020.
It is unclear what the fallout between Goosen and the club is about at this stage‚ but in an interview in November 2014‚ Goosen seemed happy in France.
“I’m really enjoying life in France and when I made that decision [to leave South Africa] I thought my Bok career was over and I would have to live with it,” he said.
“I wrestled with the decision a lot and so I was very surprised when I was called up for this tour.
“Injuries played a big part in making the decision to leave South Africa.
“I didn’t do it because I thought I couldn’t be injured playing rugby in France but because I needed to think about my financial future and it is more lucrative over there.”
Goosen has played 14 tests for the Springboks.