Following defeat to Wales in November, the South African rugby team's disappointment might have at least been tempered by the realisation that 2016 was as good as over. No more disasters could befall them.
Now, they are digesting the news that Johan Goosen, the Top 14 player of the season for 2015-16 and a Springbok star, has decided to retire from rugby aged 24.
Even more bizarrely, injury has not forced this decision.
According to his club, Racing 92, he now intends to return to South Africa to become a commercial director.
Dumbfounded club president Jacky Lorenzetti released an angry statement this afternoon, in which he disclosed the news and accused the player of showing a lack of responsibility towards everyone at Racing.
He (Goosen) has announced today that he has taken the incredible decision to end his playing career, to return to South Africa for a role as commercial director.
We regret that such a talented player has gone astray and has decided to abandon professional rugby. It seems obvious that such a role has proven incompatible with high level sport.
The clearly seething Lorenzetti said that the club had supported Goosen both "morally" and "financially" in recent months. Gavin Mortimer informs us that an article in Midi Olimpique last week reported that Goosen was loaned €400k by the club.
The loan was given to the player to allow his parents to buy a farm in South Africa.
Racing say they've supported Goosen "morally" & "financially".
Report in Midi O last week said Lorenzetti had loaned Goosen €400k
— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) December 16, 2016
...in order that the player's parents could buy a farm in South Africa
— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) December 16, 2016
Lorenzetti went onto the accuse the player of showing "a lack of responsibility towards his teammates, coaches, the club and the fans."
Racing 92 statement adds that recently Goosen has "shown a lack of responsibility towards his teammates, coaches & club members/fans."
— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) December 16, 2016
The president finished his statement by saying he reserved the right to pursue legal action against both the player and his representatives.
Full back Goosen was named the Top 14 Player of the Season for the 2015-16 as Racing 92 won the French championship for the first time since 1990 - and for the first time in their current incarnation. They reached the Champions Cup final where they lost to Saracens.
Goosen has earned 13 caps for South Africa since 2012. He played in their most recent international against Wales. He was even linked with Munster a few years back.
