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Goosen opens up about 'madness' of his controversial retirement and Racing 92 departure

By Nathaniel Cope
Johan Goosen

Johan Goosen has opened up about the circumstances of his controversial departure from Racing 92, as he prepares to return to France to play for their Top 14 rivals Montpellier.

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The 13-times capped Springbok sensationally decided to retire in 2016, despite signing a new lucrative contract with the French Top 14 club reportedly worth €500,000 a season until the summer of 2020.

“To be clear, I did not feel good in Paris. I am South African, I need space and, in the suburbs of Paris, the buildings are so close to each other that I felt like I was choking. I had the uncomfortable feeling of living in a box.” he told Le Figaro Sport.

“The worst part is that my son was also very unhappy. He who had tasted Bloemfontein’s farm and the open spaces was not doing this life. He cried all the time. And we, we did not sleep anymore. Yet I liked working with Laurent Labit. He listened to me, guided me, and scolded me sometimes. But because I was very unhappy off the pitch. I could not have stayed five more years. Money has nothing to do with it. I wanted another life, the sun, the space and the nature. I’ll have all this in Montpellier.”

Goosen has denied allegations that he’s been supported financially by Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad in advance of signing for the club, stating “”No, he did not do it. And even if he wanted to do it, he could not have done it. First, because I did not know him. And then my bank accounts were scrutinized (by Racing 92 baliffs). My first contacts with Montpellier go back to about six months ago.”

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Goosen, who was the Top 14 player of the season in 2015/16, admits the decision to leave Racing has played on his mind.

“It was madness. I made a mistake. But that’s life. Paradoxically, I have also grown a lot over the past two years. I emptied my head and allowed my body to rebuild itself. I am today much cooler than I was in December 2016. But I went through bad times. I was very sad. I thought all of this would never end.

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“Sometimes I said to myself, “Maybe I should go back to Racing finally?” And at other times, I was persuaded that going back would not do me any good. In fact, I was lost. If a player is in my situation, I will say to him: ‘Do not do it, you will regret it. The price to pay is too heavy.'”

He’s expecting a hostile reception when he returns to his former club in the Top 14.

“I’m going to be whistled, booed, insulted. But I do not care. I prepared myself for it. I know that everyone thinks that I am a bad guy and that I do not deserve the second chance that is offered to me today. Nevertheless, I hope that one day I will be forgiven and that in Montpellier, my rugby will make people happy.”

The 25-year-old feels he’s in top shape to return, despite an extended absence from the game.

“I played my first rugby match with the Cheetahs on April 13, 2018. I kept up squash, running, golf and a lot of hunting. I am hyperactive and sport has always had a big part in my life. It was out of the question for me to stop. And I knew that one day, I will play rugby again.

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Sincerely, I feel good. And I did not really suffer when I played three PRO14 games with the Cheetahs. Physically, I felt in the know and I hope it will be confirmed in Montpellier. ”

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Trevor 54 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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