Springbok and Cheetahs flyhalf Johan Goosen has secretly flown to France to explore possible future career opportunities, the Volksblad website reports.

The Cheetahs have a bye weekend in Super Rugby which enabled the 21-year-old to head abroad.

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The club Goosen went to visit is believed to be Top 14 side, Racing Metro, who reportedly see him as an ideal substitute for Irish flyhalf Jonny Sexton.

With the eye on next year’s Rugby World Cup, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt reportedly wants to lure Sexton back to Ireland as he feels he is being overplayed at Racing.

Earlier reports also linked Goosen to French big spenders Toulon, while South Africa’s Bulls and a few clubs from Japan are also interested.

Goosen’s contract with the Cheetahs expires on October 31 this year and it’s unlikely that coach Naka Drotské will allow him to leave before then.

Outside clubs are only allowed to officially negotiate with players 120 days (1 July) prior to the ending of their contract.

The Cheetahs’ next Super Rugby game is at home to the Blues on 5 April.