“Being a part of the Crusaders family, playing 81 games in the jersey, representing New Zealand on the biggest stages, it’s been awesome.
“But the time has come for me to take up a new adventure in an exciting competition in France.
“My wife Sophie and I are excited to experience a new culture, language and environment.”
Goodhue debuted for the Crusaders against the Brumbies in round one of the 2017 Super Rugby season, in what was also Scott Robertson’s first year as Crusaders coach.
The 2017 title kicked off the Crusaders dynasty of seven straight championships, with Goodhue an ever-present threat in the centre. He scored 13 tries across his career, but as Robertson has said, it wasn’t his try-scoring that made him such an asset.
“Jack’s one of the best defensive centres in the world,” Robertson said.
“He’s tough, he can square people up on attack, his running lines are exceptional and his general game understanding is really special.”
Robertson said Goodhue’s time as a Crusader “epitomised everything we champion as a team and an organisation”.
“He’s a great man, an incredible professional and a world-class player,” he said.
“Jack’s given a lot to this club and we’re going to miss him.”
