ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Tuesday Jun 6, 2023

Legendary playmaker announces new move

Jimmy Gopperth has been a terrific servant for rugby over the past 20 years, with no less than 400 games and 3800 points to his name with clubs in England, Ireland and New Zealand. As one of the more senior names in world rugby, Gopperth is now seen as an inspiration by many new fly halves attempting to create their own mould.

ADVERTISEMENT

It takes a particular character and a certain mentality to forge a career that lasts over two decades, something that Jimmy Gopperth has appeared to do with relative ease. It would have been very easy for the New Plymouth born playmaker to have called it a day when Wasps met their unfortunate demise, however the mentality of the man shone through as he looked to continue with his stellar career.

Gopperth joined Premiership holders Leicester in a season which saw coaches leave, players transfer and titles lost, all the while holding the integrity that the midlands club are so famous for. Despite starting the Premiership semi-final for Leicester, lined up against World Cup winner Handre Pollard, Gopperth had found himself on yard sale once again.

Known for his tenacity, Gopperth is in no state to let sleeping dogs lie as the 39 year old has signed for Division 2 French side Provence, a mid table side that will no doubt benefit hugely from the New Zealanders experience.

A statement read: “Provence Rugby have announced the arrival for one season of Jimmy Gopperth, the New Zealand fly-half, from Leicester Tigers. Gopperth, whose characteristics correspond precisely to the staff’s desire to bring experience, leadership and professionalism to the current squad, has played nearly 500 games during his immense career.

“It’s a longevity owed to an irreproachable lifestyle, but also to great technical qualities and a 10/12 versatility. This has earned him many games at fly-half and in midfield since his arrival in the English league in 2009.

“Gopperth played 20 games last season – including the semi-final against Sale as a starter. He has played three New Zealand NPC finals, a Super Rugby final, two English Premiership finals and was voted best player of the season in 2017. Chosen to be the successor to Jonny Wilkinson at Newcastle and Johnny Sexton at Leinster, Gopperth has an experience that will be an undeniable asset for the club’s progress in the short term.

ADVERTISEMENT

“A hard worker who has repeated over and over that he is not ready to hang up, this surf enthusiast has decided to embark on one last great challenge: to take Provence Rugby to the finals for the first time in its history.”

Comments




Related Articles

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    London Irish receive damning news after failing...

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    All Black star signs with French Top 14 side...

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    Video of French Rugby player attacking wife...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The fan reaction to Georgia calling out Wales this Autumn

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    England player ratings: England wake Twickenham up with huge victory

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible scenes as Italy shock Scotland in Rome

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

View All

Amateur

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 15 HOURS AGO

    Danny Care to return to Twickenham for Barbarians match this summer

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Tributes paid as World Cup referee looks to hang up boots

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Statement: Danny Care calls time on international career

View All