One of the strangest rugby stories in some time broke last weekend: South African out-half Johan Goosen suddenly announced his retirement from the sport, at the age of 24. It was reported that he was heading back to South Africa to take up a role as Commercial Director.
Goosen, who can also play full-back, was voted the Top 14's Best Player of last season as he helped guide Racing to the title, and has been courted by Munster in the past.
Ronan O'Gara was befuddled by the news, telling BT Sport that he had only found out about the news on twitter:
"I only found out on Twitter!" @racing92's Ronan O'Gara on the sudden retirement of Johan Goosen. #ChampionsCup https://t.co/fJkqlc5kOc
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 16, 2016
The French press this morning carry a few more details on the story, with the commercial director line apparently a load of nonsense. Instead, Midi Olympique claim that Goosen quit Racing in a bid to force a move elsewhere, namely Gloucester.
Gavin Mortimer has tweeted the news, here's the thread. (The Mohed Altrad mentioned is the owner of Montpellier).
What a weird situation. Midi also report that Goosen was offered to Toulon in the summer in exchange for Francois Trinh-Duc, but, while Racing were open to the idea, Toulon rejected the deal.
What a weird situation.
