Johan Goosen could be poised to make his highly-anticipated return to action in the Cheetahs’ Pro14 clash against Munster this Friday.

Goosen announced his ‘retirement’ in December 2016, while still contracted to French club Racing 92, and returned to South Africa to take up a job as a commercial director at a saddle-horse stud farm in Bloemfontein.

However, he officially came out of ‘retirement’ when it emerged earlier this year that he was set to join French club Montpellier after owner Mohed Altrad agreed to buy out his contract with Racing for a reported €1.5-million (R22-million).

There was another twist to the story when Goosen then linked up with his former team, the Cheetahs, who confirmed that the utility back would be available for their remaining Pro14 matches before his return to France in June.

It’s believed that Goosen has been running prominently in the flyhalf position during this week’s training for Friday’s game against Munster, while former Bulls scrumhalf Rudy Paige could possibly make his Cheetahs debut off the bench.

The word from Bloemfontein is that Bok coach Rassie Erasmus will also be in town to watch the clash, while there are believed to be a number of other high-ranking SA Rugby officials who will also sit down for meetings to discuss a range of topics such as the Pro14 competition and future plans.

The Cheetahs and Munster will both name their teams on Thursday, with coach Johann van Graan having confirmed that the Irish club will make a number of changes to their side as they look to rest certain players ahead of their upcoming Champions Cup semi-final.

Photo: Rob Jefferies/PhotoSport