ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Proof that Lima Sopoaga leaving is a massive loss to New Zealand rugby

BY davidharper  ·  Friday Jan 12, 2018

Highly talented All Black fly half Lima Sopoaga will leave New Zealand at the end of the coming season to join Wasps. Following Aaron Cruden, this makes him the second world class All Black 10 to leave for the greener financial pastures of Europe in the last 12 months. 

Sopoaga follows former Chiefs and All Black fly half Aaron Cruden, who is playing his first season with Montpellier. In fact, the All Blacks have lost a few players as of late, with other names including Steven Luatua, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Charlie Faumuina, and George Moala.

One could argue that these players were being considered less and less by the selectors, or perhaps were merely second or even third-choice All Blacks. However, Steve Hansen will no doubt be frustrated with the loss of any experience in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup, particularly now with the loss of both Cruden and Sopoaga. 

There’s no doubt who the first choice number ten is but, as we’ve seen before, you’re just one injury away.

The 16-cap All Black Sopoaga had cemented his role as the second choice behind Beauden Barrett, which must make the decision to leave that much more difficult.

New Zealand do still have a stockpile of weapons though, with both Richie Mo’unga and Damien McKenzie capable if called up.

In the end, what mattered most – alongside the reported £1.5 million three year deal – was family, and it seems Sopoaga is fine with that.

“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make but is one I’m at peace with. I’d like to thank the Highlanders, All Blacks, Southland and Wellington for the awesome experiences you have provided me with over the years.

“So here’s to 2018 one last roll of the dice before I head off to experience life on the other side of the world. I’m ready.”

Sopoaga will leave after the coming Super Rugby season and will therefore be removed from World Cup contention. The move will cause ripples with Wasps as the question now becomes what to do with mercurial star Danny Cipriani.

As this highlight video shows, Wasps fans should be thrilled with their latest signing.

credit: therugbychannel

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    Adam Radwan sets sights on Olympic honours...

  • 34 WEEKS AGO

    Kyle Rowe’s remarkable journey from an...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

View All

Funnies

  • 13 HOURS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

View All

Amateur

  • 100 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 100 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 123 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 123 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 124 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 15 HOURS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

View All