Jimmy Gopperth: Wasps to sign Leinster fly-half for 2015-16

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Jimmy GopperthImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Gopperth played Super Rugby for the Blues and Hurricanes in New Zealand before moving to the northern hemisphere in 2009

Wasps have signed Leinster fly-half Jimmy Gopperth on a contract which will start ahead of the 2015-16 season.

The New Zealand-born 31-year-old previously played in the Premiership with Newcastle, with whom he won the league's Golden Boot in 2010 and 2011.

"Jimmy's consistency of performance at the highest level is really impressive," said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.

Wasps have also confirmed that wing Will Helu, 28, will leave this summer.

The Tonga international has been restricted to one Premiership appearance this term because of injury.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Coventry-born Andy Goode earned 17 caps for England between 2005 and 2009

With Andy Goode's contract due to expire at the end of the season, Gopperth, who represented the Junior All Blacks as a youngster, will compete with Alex Lozowski and Scotland international Ruaridh Jackson for the Wasps fly-half berth.

The club have offered 34-year-old former England international Goode a coaching role, as they look to "build for the future".

"Andy has already shown his coaching potential alongside our A team coaches," said Young. "We would like him to join the senior team. At the moment he is keeping his options open and considering a variety of offers elsewhere, which we fully understand.

"We believe the signing of Gopperth, alongside Jackson and Lozowski, will provide us with dangerous attacking and kicking options for the next few years to help move Wasps to the next level."

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