Springbok utility back Johan Goosen has been linked with a move to Gloucester less than a week after it came to light that he had retired.

Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti made the shock announcement that Goosen had decided to quit professional rugby to take up a commercial director position in the private sector.

However, it is now being alleged that the 24-year-old’s premature retirement is merely a desperate ploy to wiggle himself out of his lucrative long-term Racing 92 contract, which sees him earn €500 000 per year. Lorenzetti did however add a forfeit clause in Goosen’s contract, which amounts to €1 million.

Montpellier were reportedly interested in Goosen’s services, but are apparently not prepared to pay out the amount mentioned in the forfeit clause.

French newspaper, Midi Olympique, reports if a player retires before joining another team, his contract with his current club becomes null and void as stipulated by the French National Rugby League. The league’s laws, however, prohibits a player from joining another French club for 18 months after his retirement.

Montpellier president Mohed Altrad is trying to buy a 54% stake in Gloucester, prompting speculation that Goosen could go to the English club instead where he would be able to play regularly in his preferred number 10 position.

In their original statement announcing Goosen’s retirement, Racing implied there would be legal repercussions for Goosen should it emerge he retired under false pretences in an attempt to move to another club.

Lorenzetti has labelled Goosen a ‘grotesque fraud’, who faked injuries and refused to train since his return to Paris from the Springboks’ end-of-year-tour.

Goosen could not be reached for comment.

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