JIMMY SHOWS HIS CLASS

‘IT’S DIFFICULT TO PUT INTO WORDS JUST HOW VALUABLE JIMMY HAS BEEN FOR OUR SQUAD, BOTH ON AND OFF THE PITCH.’ Dai Young

FORMER HURRICANES and Blues first-five Jimmy Gopperth has capped an amazing year by being named England’s Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season. He had already won the Rugby Players Association and Wasps’ player of the year awards after a season in which he played in 21 of Wasps’ 22 Premiership games and scored 266 points.

It was a stunning result for the 33-yearold, who left New Zealand in 2009 when he wasn’t sure if he was wanted by any Super Rugby sides.

He left to play for Newcastle, joined Leinster in 2013 and Wasps in 2015 and is now one of the most respected and admired players in the Northern Hemisphere.

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “It’s di cult to put into words just how valuable Jimmy has been for our squad, both on and o the pitch.

“Jimmy always puts the team before himself and he’s always played at a very high standard in every position he’s played. He’s a real club man and a quality player who deserves all the accolades he’s got this season. He’s also one of the most modest guys you could meet, really hard working and a real leader around the camp.