Top 14 side Castres Olympique will reportedly make a statement signing in the form of All Blacks star Jack Goodhue. The French club are said to be making a big offer for Goodhue, who would be joining Crusaders teammate Leicester Fainga’anuku in the French top division.
Fainga’anuku recently completed his move to Toulon, with Goodhue expected to follow suit with a deal in France.
Reports from French news outlet Midi Olympique suggest that Castres are set to make a ‘huge splash’ in the market, and are ready to break the bank to secure the services of the 28-year-old. There is an opening within the Castres centre, after Thomas Combezou was forced into retirement during the 2022/23 Top 14 campaign.
Castres have Adrea Cocagi, Adrien Séguret and Vilimoni Botitu at their disposal in the midfield, yet are keen on bringing in Goodhue to bolster the attack. The centre is likely to be a valued member of Ian Fosters squad, with the All Blacks kicking off their Rugby World Cup campaign against host nation France.
Goodhue has been with the Crusaders since 2017, and has made 62 appearances for the Christchurch side. The Crusaders recently booked their spot in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific Final, after despatching the Blues 52-15 earlier today in the semi-final.
The Crusaders will meet either the Brumbies or the Chiefs in the final, with the Trans-Tasman semi-final kicking off tomorrow. Goodhue has won the Super Rugby title on four occassions, including last season’s title, and three back-to-back championship wins from 2017 to 2019.