-
South Africa international Johan Goosen has angered his French club Racing 92 by announcing his retirement
-
Goosen is reportedly returning to South Africa to become a commercial director
-
We regret that so obviously talented a young player has been misguided and abandoned professional rugby,”
According to his club Racing 92, South Africa international Johan Goosen has reportedly retired from rugby at the age of 24.
Racing broke the news in a statement from club president Jacky Lorenzetti on the club’s website on Friday, saying: “Goosen, whose contract was overwhelmingly re-structured a year ago, now claims to be free in an incredible way.
“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 commerical director is incompatible with high level sport.
“We wish to add that Racing 92 has always strongly supported Johan Goosen both morally and financially. And while it has unfortunately proved in recent times that there is a certain lack of vis-à-vis between the player and his coaches and more generally of all members of the club and its fans, we hope it quickly becomes aware that compliance with a contract like that of a given word is the basis of all human and professional relationships.
“I only found out on Twitter!” @racing92‘s Ronan O’Gara on the sudden retirement of Johan Goosen. #ChampionsCup https://t.co/fJkqlc5kOc
— BT Sport Rugby (@btsportrugby) December 16, 2016
“Naturally, Racing 92 reserve the right to give such conduct all appropriate legal actions both towards Johan Goosen as those who advise him.”
The news comes as a huge shock. Goosen was named Top 14 Player of the Season for 2015/2016 after helping the club win the French title and reaching the Champions Cup final.
He has won 13 caps for South Africa since making his debut in 2012, starting at full-back for the Springboks in their most recent Test against Wales.
The 24-year-old moved to France in 2014 after beginning his professional career with the Cheetahs in Super Rugby.