Leinster sign Newcastle outhalf Gopperth
New Zealand-born outhalf Jimmy Gopperth will join Leinster on a two-year deal from Newcastle Falcons. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images
Rugby:Leinster have signed New Zealand-born outhalf Jimmy Gopperth from Newcastle Falcons on a two-year deal as they continue planning for the departure of Jonathan Sexton to France.
The 29-year-old former junior All Blacks player will join up in the summer after three seasons with the Falcons in which he has scored 719 points in 70 appearances.
Gopperth has amassed plenty of Super 14 experience, playing 53 times for the Blues and Hurricanes and steered New Zealand to victory in the under-21 World Cup back in 2004.
Commenting on the move, Leinster head coach Joe Schmidt said: “We are delighted that Jimmy has put pen to paper on a deal and we believe that he will be an excellent foil for Ian Madigan, bringing added depth and experience to the outhalf position when he joins this summer.
“Even though Newcastle have struggled in recent years, he has been a hugely consistent performer during his time in England where he won back-to-back Premiership Golden Boot awards."
