R20m payment could see Goosen return to rugby

Cape Town -  Former Springbok Johan Goosen looks set to return to rugby with French Top 14 side Montpellier.

Reports in French media suggest that Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad has agreed to buy out the player's contract with Racing 92.

Goosen made headlines at the end of 2016 when Racing 92 announced his retirement.

The 25-year-old had earlier signed a contract extension with Racing, increasing his salary to €500 000 (R7.15 million) per year.

However, Goosen reportedly took up a commercial director's job in South Africa, which left the French club fuming.

According to French website Rugbyrama, Altrad will now pay for €1.4 million (R20 million) for Goosen to be released from his Racing 92 contract.

Goosen is likely to join Montpellier’s squad from July 2018, the report indicates.

The talented flyhalf/fullback has 13 Test caps to his name since making his debut against Australia back in 2012.

He last played for the Boks against Wales in November 2016, shortly before his 'retirement'.