Cape Town – While Johan Goosen’s shock retirement at only 24 has left the public with some questions, it might also leave the Springbok utility back with a lawsuit from club side Racing 92.
The French outfit announced Goosen’s retirement from all rugby in a press release on Friday, and revealed that Goosen had informed management that he had been offered a job as a “commercial director” at a South African company.
But Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti hinted that Goosen’s sudden retirement may just be “a way to get out of his contract”.
“Johan Goosen, whose contract was re-evaluated less than a year ago, now claims to be able to get rid of it in a fantastic way,” the statement continued.
“We wish to add that the Racing 92 has always strongly supported Johan Goosen, both morally and financially. And even though he has unfortunately demonstrated lately a certain lack of responsibility towards his partners, his coaches and more broadly of all the members of his club and his supporters, hopefully he quickly realises that compliance with a contract like that of a given word is the basis of all human and professional relationships.
"Racing 92 reserves the right for a judicial follow-up to both Johan Goosen and those who advise him,” the Racing boss added.
And if Goosen really is planning on pulling the plug on his rugby career, the French aren’t the only ones who will be sorely missing him.
Because, regardless of Goosen's sometimes questionable performances with the Springboks this year, he is still a talent that can do a lot for the Boks.
Goosen, who joined Racing from the Cheetahs in 2014, made his Springbok debut in 2012 and has since earned 13 caps for the national side.
But he spent some time in the Bok wilderness before being called up earlier this season by under-fire Springbok coach Allister Coetzee.
The former SA Under-20 playmaker featured at No 10 and fullback for the struggling Boks this year, and although he didn’t come close to emulating the form that he showed while with the French club, there were glimpses of promise by Goosen at the back.
Last year, the utility back’s scintillating outings at outside centre earned him the French Top 14 Player of the Season award, and his excellent performances in midfield helped Racing bag the domestic title and reach the European Champions Cup final.
But while Goosen’s possible departure will impact heavily on Racing, who have established potent kicking options with All Black great Dan Carter and Goosen at 10 and 12 respectively, his exit will weigh heaviest on the Boks.
While with the Boks, Goosen this year at times looked to create something from the back in a team hampered by poor results, players being selected out of position and the coach’s resistance to give form players a chance (until late this season, that is).
And although Goosen was also one of the players who failed to impress on a number of occasions, his absence will significantly decrease South Africa’s options in the problematic fullback position.
SA Rugby spokesman Andy Colquhoun said on Saturday that the organisation had not been aware that Goosen was contemplating retirement. "We were surprised at the news, but respect his freedom to choose his own career path," Colquhoun added.