Why Kiwi Gopperth has pledged his future to Wasps
JIMMY Gopperth has signed a new contract at Wasps that will see him remain at the Gallagher Premiership club past his 36th birthday.
It’s a strong display of faith in the club for a player that director of rugby Dai Young called a “remarkable performer” as Gopperth battles to recover an ACL knee injury suffered on the eve of the 2018/19 season.
The summer setback could have ushered an early end to the New Zealand-born fly-half ’s career, but instead the 35-year-old has attacked his rehabilitation, charting his progress on social media with his endgoal crystal clear.
“I still feel like I have an awful lot to offer the game,” he said. “I want to help us drive forwards and push for more honours in the coming years.
“This season has been frustrating because of injury but
I’m working hard to get back ahead of schedule as I just can’t wait to get back out there at the Ricoh.”
He added: “It’s been an amazing three years at the club and I’ve made so many lifelong friends around the place. It’s become a home away from home for me.
Since arriving at the Ricoh Arena in 2015, Gopperth has amassed 771 points in 78 appearances and wrote his name into Wasps folklore with a European Cup quarter-final-winning touchline conversion against Exeter Chiefs in 2016. Gopperth’s phenomenal 2016/17 campaign saw him named as Premiership, RPA and Wasps Player of the Season, while helping the club reach the European quarter-finals and also the Premiership final.
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “Jimmy has been a remarkable performer for us over the last few seasons.
“It’s been frustrating that we haven’t been able to see him on the field this season but we can’t wait to have him back and we’re delighted he’s signed a new deal.
“He brings a wealth of experience to the table and that is of huge benefit to some of the young guys coming through in the backline.”
During his earlier career, Gopperth played Super Rugby at both the Hurricanes and the Blues, while also representing the Junior All Blacks before making the switch to the Northern Hemisphere in 2009.
He spent four years at Newcastle Falcons, before two seasons in Ireland with Leinster Rugby ahead of the switch to the Ricoh Arena.
I still feel like I have an awful lot to offer the game. I want to help us drive forwards and push for more honours in the coming years. Jimmy Gopperth