MX23RW : Thursday, March 28 08:37:55| >> :600:7579718:7579718:

South Africa international Johan Goosen 'retires from rugby, aged 24'

Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti launches a scathing attack on South Africa fly-half Johan Goosen following his apparent retirement from the sport aged just 24.

South Africa and Racing 92 fly-half Johan Goosen has seemingly retired from rugby at the age of just 24.

Goosen was voted the Top 14's player of the year last season having helped Racing to the domestic title and the final of the European Champions Cup.

However, he has now opted for a career change in order to become a commercial director - a move which was strongly criticised by Racing president Jacky Lorenzetti.

"Johan Goosen, whose contract was largely re-evaluated less than a year ago, now claims to be able to get rid of it in a fantastic manner. He announced today that he had made the unbelievable decision to stop his career as a player and return to South Africa, with an alleged hiring as a commercial director," read a statement from Lorenzetti on the club's official website.

"We regret of course that such a young and talented player is mistaken and declares to abandon professional rugby - as it seems obvious that this role of commercial director is incompatible with a high-level sports practice.

"We would like to add that Racing 92 have always largely supported Johan Goosen both morally and financially, even though he has unfortunately demonstrated lately a certain lack of responsibility towards his partners, his coaches and more broadly of all the members of his club and his supporters.

"Hopefully he will quickly realise that respect for a contract, like that of the given word, is the basis of all human and professional relationships. Of course, the club reserve the right to give such conduct all appropriate judicial follow-up, both with regard to Johan Goosen and those who advise him."

Goosen has won 13 caps for the Springboks since his debut in 2012, the last of which came in the 27-13 defeat to Wales in Cardiff last month.

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Wales player Mike Phillips in action against South Africa during an international match on November 9, 2013
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