Leinster sign Gopperth on 2-year deal

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/11094.php

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 out-half 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."

Pretty pleased with that. He's good enough to start regularly in the Pro 12 and give cover to Ian Madigan. Would rather Jonny Sexton stayed instead but this is about the best Leinster could have hoped for when he accepted Racing Metro's offer.

 

[psychic duck]

Comes with a better record than Matt Berquist (listed as one of the Top 10 Flops by Midi Olympique on his time at Biarritz btw). Was a first team starter at the Hurricanes for a while, took them to a Super 14 final in 2006, won Premiership Golden Boot with one of the worst teams, and should be a dependable reliable player and useful addition for Leinster in the way that Holwell was.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I've always liked Gopperth.
Think he's quite underrated in the way that many think of him as just a kick-to-the-corners type player, but that's just because that's the gameplan Newcastle had more often than not when they struggled with quick ball etc.
Like you said - Sexton is the ideal option, but Gopperth is a good player to have alongside Madigan.
He should go well, I look forward to seeing him there.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I'm quite happy with that, I remember watching him drag Newcastle through a couple games last year. With a team like Leinster have around him he should be more than capable of playing in behind Madigan.

 

[irelandfan123]

Never know he could over take young madigan... Gopperth is a great player nice to see him behind a good pack and playing top flight rugby. Watched him have some great matches when they fought to stay afloat so its nice to see him in top flight again

Here is some footage of him for newcastle

 

[Feicarsinn]

That's fine. Certainly good enough for the Rabo slog, and probably be fine if called upon for the Heineken Cup. Not a world beater by any means, but you don't get over 40 Super Rugby appearances for a New Zealand side for nothing.

 

[munstermuffin]

Very smart again by Schmidt. Very good player who is proven already in NH and is decent competition for Madigan. He'll get plenty of time while Madigan is with Ireland and he not exactly old either.