Has this once highly regarded Springbok officially retired?
· The South African
Nearly 15 years ago, Johan Goosen made his Test debut at the tender age of 20, and the multi-talented utility back then seemed to have the rugby world at his feet.
However, no one could have predicted the career rollercoaster that would follow.
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Having burst onto the senior stage with the Cheetahs, he then took the fateful decision to head to French club Racing 92 in 2014, initially racking up a series of influential appearances.
Turn of events for the former Springbok
Despite being at the start of what looked to be a promising career, Goosen abruptly announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of 2016, then just 24-years-old. The shock decision also came not long after he had earned his 13th Springbok cap on the 2026 end-of-year tour.
Goosen claimed he was leaving to take up a role as a Commercial Director at an agricultural company in South Africa, but it was widely viewed as a strategic move to get out of his long-term contract with Racing 92, with the club threatening legal action.
The talented playmaker remained out of the game for about 18 months before making a “comeback” in 2018, having acknowledged how much he missed the game.
Haunted by injuries
After returning to the game with stints at the Cheetahs, Montpellier and the Bulls, Goosen has ultimately been beset with injury woes – including a recurring calf issue and multiple knee operations – and fluctuating form.
Although Goosen hasn’t made an announcement about retiring, reports confirm the 34-year-old is no longer training with the Bulls, who are already active in the market for a replacement.
It’s believed that he has already started a career outside of rugby where he works in the insurance industry and also farms part-time.