Gopperth pens new deal as he nears recovery

WASPS have eased fears over the possible exit of Elliot Daly by having five senior personnel commit their futures to the club in Jimmy Gopperth, Ashley Johnson, Tommy Taylor, Ben Harris and Simon McIntyre.

Veterans Gopperth and Johnson have amassed a combined 258 appearances for Wasps and boss Dai Young placed a heavy emphasis on the value the pair bring to the team.

He said: “Both Jimmy and Ashley give absolutely everything when they pull on the Black and Gold and their experience across the board is crucial, not only in matches, but in helping develop some of our younger players.

“They have both given an awful lot to the club and to have them extend their stays at the Ricoh is a huge coup.”

Young said Gopperth is “ahead of schedule” as he battles to recover from ACL reconstruction surgery. The 35-year-old suffered a knee ligament rupture in pre-season and a recovery period of six to nine months was placed on his return.

Meanwhile Sale announced that back row duo of Jono Ross and Ben Curry have penned new deals.

Club captain Ross has committed himself to three more seasons at the AJ Bell Stadium, while fellow flanker Curry will continue his fledgling career at Sale after captaining England at this year’s U20 World Cup.

Bristol pair Steven Luatua and Chris Vui have agreed contract extensions. Kiwi flanker Luatua has signed for two more seasons, while Samoa captain Chris Vui has spurned interest from abroad to continue playing his rugby at Ashton Gate until 2022.

The production line in Northampton’s academy continues with hooker James Fish and full-back James Furbank having signed two-year deals.

In the PRO14, Scotland centre Huw Jones has signed a new contract which will keep him at Glasgow until 2021.