Montpellier buy out Goosen's Racing contract for gigantic sum - reports

Multiple media outlets in France are now reporting that Johan Goosen has been bought out of his Racing 92 contract by Montpellier in an unprecedented mega deal.

RugbyRama and Midi Olympique say that Goosen will now lineout for Altrad’s Montpellier next season in a move that may well be a watershed moment in the sport – ushering in a new age of mega money contract buyouts similar to that of Association Football.

Goosen walked out on his Racing contract last year, apparently claiming that he wanted to return to South Africa to take up a business opportunity.

It is however now understood that Montpellier will trigger a near €1.5million buyout clause in Goosen Racing contract.

According to reports president of Montpellier Mohed Altrad and Racing 92’s Jacky Lorenzetti, have come to an agreement for MHR to buy the player out of his contract for €1.4 million euros.

Goosen was voted best player of the Top 14 in 2016 but the last time he played in the Top 14 it was in November 2016.

In an interview in 2017 then Racing coach Ronan O’Gara said Goosen wanted to leave rugby to pursue a ‘rural life’. O’Gara told BT that: “I talked a lot with him, he was convinced that his life was to live on a farm. He said it three weeks ago that it was the will of his wife. If that’s it, that’s it… But it would be a great loss for rugby.”

It’s being reported former Top 14 player-of-the-season Johan Goosen shall soon to be free to resume his career. He walked out on @racing92 more than a year ago but a deal has apparently been done between Racing and @MHR_officiel

— Martin Gillingham (@MartGillingham) February 21, 2018