Goosen warns Bulls about Edinburgh Challenge Cup 'tricks'

IT has been a long time out for Johan Goosen, but making his comeback to rugby in France last weekend was a special occasion.

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

While he was a young wunderkind at the Cheetahs and Springboks, Goosen became world-renowned during his spells at French clubs Racing 92 (2014-16) and Montpellier (2018-21).

Bulls coach Jake White mentioned in the build-up to the Challenge Cup last-16 win over Bayonne that fans were posing for pictures and asking for autographs with Goosen.

The 32-year-old flyhalf sustained yet another knee injury in January's Champions Cup clash against Stade Francais. He only returned to action nearly three months later at the Stade Jean Dauger last Saturday, where a 15-minute cameo saw him kick a late penalty to close out the 32-22 win.

"I must say that it's lekker to be back in France. The whole vibe around France and rugby here, and the people and supporters are great," Goosen said.

"It was just nice to be back in the mix again with the team, and my pals, to get that feeling to play again.

"I must say that it felt a bit weird before the game - you don't know how you must feel. And on the bench especially, you don't know when you will go on.