Goosen’s World Cup hopes

Johan Goosen says he still harbours ambitions of playing in the Rugby World Cup in 2019.

The 25 year old utility back made his rugby comeback recently with the Cheetahs, after unexpectedly retiring at the end of 2016, and is expected to turn out in the upcoming Pro14 for French club Montpellier.

He had originally signed a contract extension with his club at the time, Racing 92, increasing his salary to €500 000 (R7.15 million) per year, but then quit abruptly, returning to South Africa and accepting a job as a commercial director on a saddle-horse stud farm in Bloemfontein.

However in speaking with Netwerk24,Goosen revealed his rugby ambitions. “I’m only 25 and still have a lot of rugby left in me. Every player wants to play in a Rugby World Cup. I have however not yet talked to Rassie Erasmus (Springbok Director of Rugby),”

However while Goosen still has his Bok dream in mind, his focus lies in Montpellier as they prepare for the season ahead.

Earlier in the month, the utility back expressed regret over his Racing departure, and added that while he expected hostile reception from the French, he hoped he could win back the fans through his performances.