Bloemfontein - Following a supposed retirement from rugby, Springbok utility back Johan Goosen could make a shock move to Gloucester in England.
Goosen announced his retirement in controversial circumstances last week via a press release from his French club Racing 92.
Racing president Jacky Lorenzetti has criticised the 24-year-old’s surprising decision, given that Goosen had extended his contract until 2020 in June this year.
Lorenzetti said that Goosen was going to work in South Africa as a “commercial director” of a company, which has been reported in the French media as a horse breeding concern in Bloemfontein.
“We regret of course that such a young and talented player is mistaken and declares to abandon professional rugby – as it seems obvious that this role of commercial director is incompatible with a high-level sports practice,” Lorenzetti said.
“We would like to add that Racing 92 have always largely supported Johan Goosen both morally and financially, 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 will quickly realise that respect for a contract, like that of the given word, is the basis of all human and professional relationships.”
But it is believed that the real reason behind Goosen’s sudden departure is a possible lucrative move either to Montpellier or Gloucester. Initially, French media reported that Montpellier – owned by business tycoon Mohed Altrad – was dangling a one million euro carrot in front of Goosen to sign for next season.
And the only way to get out of the Racing contract was to retire, as rugby players can return to the game after six months.
But now it has emerged that there is a clause in Goosen’s Racing contract that prevents him from signing for another French club for the next 18 months, which would block the Montpellier move.
French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique reports that the Gloucester link with Goosen has come about as Altrad is trying to buy a majority stake in the English side.
Altrad has already held discussions with the Cherry and Whites, and his plan has already been approved by the England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the French Rugby Federation (FFR).
The Gloucestershire Live website reports that the final hurdle is permission from the European Professional Club Rugby organisation.
Gloucester are searching for someone who could play at flyhalf and fullback as Welsh international James Hook is leaving at the end of the current season.
Goosen has played in 13 Tests for the Springboks and featured at fullback on the November tour of Europe. He is able to play at No 10, outside centre and No 15.