Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Jimmy Gopperth

Jimmy Gopperth (born 29 June 1983) is a retired rugby union player who primarily played as a fly-half and occasionally as a centre throughout his 23-year professional career. Renowned for his precise goal-kicking, playmaking skills, and longevity, he amassed over 4,500 points in 526 professional matches across clubs in , , , and before announcing his retirement on 2 November 2025 at age 42 following the non-renewal of his contract with . Born in and raised in , Gopperth began playing at a young age with the Ōpunake Rugby Club, often barefoot until age 13, before attending New Plymouth Boys' High School. He represented at the secondary schools level in 2001 and progressed through the national age-group ranks, including the victorious New Zealand Under-21 team at the 2004 World Cup, the New Zealand Universities side in 2004, and the Junior All Blacks in 2006. Gopperth debuted professionally with in 2002, scoring 422 points for the Lions by 2007, and joined with the Hurricanes in 2005, where he started all 12 games in his debut season and accumulated 350 points over four years (2005–2008), highlighted by long-range penalties and a notable solo try against the Highlanders in 2007. He later played briefly for North Harbour, captaining them in 2008, and represented and the in 2009 before moving overseas. In 2009, Gopperth signed with in England, making over 100 appearances before transferring to in Ireland for two seasons (2013–2015). He then joined Wasps in 2015, where he established himself as a key figure, contributing to their 2016–17 Premiership title win and earning multiple accolades, including the Premiership Player of the Season, RPA Players' Player of the Year, and the Golden Boot as the league's top points-scorer that year with 290 points. Gopperth moved to for the 2022–23 season before concluding his career with in France from 2023 to 2025, ranking fourth on the all-time Premiership points list with over 2,000 points from more than 200 appearances in English alone. Throughout his career, he was celebrated for his consistency and professionalism, amassing 3,920 points in 463 first-class games by early 2023.

Early life and youth career

Family background and education

James Richard Gopperth was born on 29 June 1983 in , , into a farming family dedicated to production. He spent his early years on the family's 200-acre dairy farm, located in the rural Pihama area near the coastal town of Opunake in the region, nestled in the foothills of . This setting, with its 240 cows and demanding agricultural routine, formed the core of his childhood environment. Gopperth's parents were deeply involved in farm operations, with his father, , managing the property while also coaching the under-21 team at the local Ōpunake Rugby Club, where he had previously played at the senior level. Gopperth has a sister, , who later took over running the with assistance from their father. From a young age, Gopperth contributed to daily farm chores, including milking cows and assisting during calving seasons, balancing these responsibilities with emerging interests in sports. This rural lifestyle fostered a strong sense of discipline and resilience, values he has credited for shaping his personal development and approach to athletics. His upbringing emphasized a close-knit family dynamic centered on hard work and community ties. For his formal education, Gopperth attended Boys' High School, a prominent institution in the region known for its program. It was here that he first organized his involvement in the sport, participating in school teams without mention of formal scholarships. The hardworking ethos of his farm background complemented the structured environment of the school, reinforcing habits of perseverance that would later influence his athletic career.

Introduction to rugby

Jimmy Gopperth's journey in began in his early childhood in Opunake, a small coastal town in New Zealand's region, where he first took to the field for the local Opunake Rugby Club at the age of three or four. Playing mostly barefoot on the rugged grounds, Gopperth's initial experiences were informal and unstructured, reflecting the rural, community-driven nature of junior in the area. This barefoot phase lasted until around age 13, when he transitioned to more organized play, acquiring proper footwear and equipment that marked his entry into structured club involvement. The physical demands of his family's dairy farm life in contributed to Gopperth's robust early fitness, providing a strong foundation for his athletic development. At Boys' High School, he immersed himself in schoolboy , progressing through the teams and refining his skills as a fly-half, a position that suited his emerging tactical acumen and kicking precision. His performances in the school's first XV showcased his potential, earning him recognition within provincial circles. Gopperth's talent led to his selection for at the secondary schools level in 2001. By 2002, at age 19, he earned his first selection for the Lions in the National Provincial Championship (NPC), making his professional debut. In his debut season, Gopperth made 1 appearance with no points scored, serving as a developmental player.

Professional club career

New Zealand phase

Gopperth made his first-class debut for the Wellington Lions in 2002. He signed a first-team contract with the Lions in 2003, marking the start of his professional career in 's National Provincial Championship (NPC). Over the next five seasons through 2007, he made 45 appearances for the Lions, scoring 422 points primarily through his reliable goalkicking and playmaking at fly-half. He played a key role in Wellington's NPC finals appearances in 2003 and 2005, contributing to strong provincial campaigns despite losses in those high-stakes matches. In 2005, Gopperth debuted for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby, establishing himself as the team's primary fly-half during his four seasons with the franchise through 2008. He earned 51 caps, accumulating 356 points, with standout performances including a 139-point haul in his rookie year where he started all 12 games. His development was highlighted in the 2006 season, when the Hurricanes reached the Super Rugby semi-finals; Gopperth's crucial 50-meter penalty in the semi-final victory over the New South Wales Waratahs secured a 16-14 win and propelled the team to their first final. Seeking greater opportunities amid stiff competition for the All Blacks fly-half position, Gopperth moved to North Harbour for the 2008 NPC season, where he made 12 appearances and scored 102 points. He then joined the for in 2009, registering 11 caps and 102 points, though he struggled for consistent starts due to established rivals like Stephen Brett. Across his professional career, Gopperth amassed approximately 119 appearances and 982 points, prompting his decision to pursue prospects abroad at the end of 2009.

European phase

Gopperth's transition to European rugby began in 2009 when he joined Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership, marking a significant shift from the faster-paced New Zealand domestic game to the more physical and structured northern hemisphere style. He quickly adapted, becoming a key playmaker and goal-kicker for the club over four seasons. At Newcastle Falcons from 2009 to 2013, Gopperth made 70 appearances and scored 719 points, establishing himself as one of the league's most reliable performers. In the 2010/11 season, he was the Premiership's top scorer with 230 points, including numerous penalties and conversions that helped stabilize the team's attack. His contributions were instrumental in guiding Newcastle to the 2012/13 Championship play-offs after relegation the previous year, where his kicking accuracy proved decisive in securing promotion back to the top flight. In 2013, Gopperth moved to in the Pro12 (later Pro14), where he spent two seasons, accumulating 61 appearances and 350 points. He started 31 games in his debut season, earning praise for his composed game management and distribution skills that filled the void left by departing stars like Jonathan Sexton. Gopperth played a pivotal role in 's 2014 Pro12 title win, contributing key penalties and conversions in the semi-final and final victories, including 14 points in the 34-12 grand final triumph over . Gopperth joined Wasps in 2015, enjoying a seven-year stint that solidified his status as a Premiership stalwart, with 157 appearances and 1,269 points across all competitions. Versatile as both a fly-half and centre, he often shifted positions to accommodate emerging talents, providing tactical control and defensive solidity. His standout 2016/17 season saw him claim the Boot as the league's top points scorer with 292 points, alongside individual honors like Premiership Player of the Season, though Wasps fell short in the final against . Following Wasps' administration collapse in late 2022, Gopperth signed with for the 2022/23 season, making 20 appearances and adding 43 points in a short but impactful role. He aided the Tigers' recovery efforts, offering experience in the fly-half position during a transitional period. Over his European career up to 2023, Gopperth amassed approximately 308 appearances and over 2,300 points, renowned for his reliability as a fly-half/centre hybrid who excelled in high-pressure environments.

French phase and retirement

In June 2023, Jimmy Gopperth joined in France's , signing a two-year deal that carried him into his 40s and enabled a continuation of his professional career following successes in . The club achieved promotion to the Top 14 after topping the 2023–24 regular season, marking Gopperth's transition to the elite French league for the 2024–25 campaign. By February 2025, he had made 52 appearances for across both divisions, contributing 295 points through his fly-half duties, including tries, conversions, and penalties. At over 41 years old during the Top 14 season, Gopperth demonstrated resilience in adapting to the competition's intense physical demands, often playing full 80-minute matches while guiding 's playmaking and goal-kicking efforts. His experience proved vital in key fixtures of the 2024–25 season, including high-stakes games that supported the team's efforts to establish themselves in the top flight amid a challenging schedule. Following February 2025, Gopperth added 13 more appearances through the end of the 2024–25 season, bringing his total for to 65 games and 350 points, and his professional career total to 526 games and over 4,500 points. On 2 November 2025, Gopperth announced his at age 42, concluding a 23-year professional journey that began in . He cited the physical toll of the sport—signaled by his body's responses—and a desire to prioritize family time as key factors, noting that had not renewed his contract after the 2024–25 season but he had weighed options abroad before deciding it was the right moment to step away. In reflections shared via , Gopperth expressed deep gratitude to every club, coach, teammate, and supporter across his career, emphasizing the lifelong bonds and memories formed through . He mentioned no firm post-retirement plans beyond spending time with family and pursuing personal interests like , signaling a shift toward a more balanced life outside the professional game.

International and invitational appearances

Youth and developmental teams

Gopperth earned his first representative honor at the international youth level with 's Under-21 team in 2004, during his early tenure with the Hurricanes in . He secured one cap, scoring 10 points through two tries, as part of the squad that competed in the IRB Under-21 , where New Zealand claimed the title. In 2006, Gopperth advanced to the Junior All Blacks, New Zealand's developmental second-tier international side, where he made two appearances and tallied 47 points, establishing himself as the team's top scorer that year. These matches included fixtures in the Pacific Nations Cup against , where he contributed 26 points including a try, and . His selections were bolstered by consistent form at club level with in the Air New Zealand Cup. Born in , , Gopperth was eligible to represent the All Blacks but was ultimately overlooked for senior selection amid competition from established fly-halves like . Despite his time with from 2013 to 2015, he did not meet the three-year residency requirement for international eligibility. Overall, his youth international career comprised three caps and 57 points, positioning these experiences as a foundation before prioritizing opportunities in professional club rugby overseas.

Invitational and non-test matches

Gopperth made his sole appearance for the invitational Barbarians side on 28 May 2015, starting at fly-half in a non-cap match against an XV at in . He contributed 7 points to the Barbarians' narrow 22–21 victory, including a and two penalties, helping secure the win in a tightly contested fixture that celebrated the invitational club's 125th anniversary. This appearance, alongside teammates Zane Kirchner and captain Shane Jennings, underscored Gopperth's mid-career recognition within the community, as the Barbarians often select players noted for their skill and sportsmanship rather than international pedigree. Despite consistent performances at level during his stint, Gopperth was never selected for a senior Test match for any nation. Gopperth's invitational and non-test engagements remained limited overall, totaling just one such game beyond his earlier developmental appearances, reflecting a career emphasis on while symbolizing his respected standing among peers through selective, high-profile invitations like the Barbarians fixture.

Playing style and achievements

Tactical approach and skills

Jimmy Gopperth primarily operated as a fly-half (No. 10) and inside centre (No. 12) throughout his career, with occasional stints at , allowing him versatility in directing play from key positions in the backline. His game revolved around precise distribution to set up attacking lines, leveraging flat passes and quick hands to create space for outside backs. Gopperth's standout skills included elite goal-kicking with a career rate of approximately 80% in the Premiership, making him a reliable points machine in high-stakes matches. He excelled in game management, using territorial kicks to control and relieve pressure, while demonstrating above-average defensive by scanning the field and directing the backline's structure. Known for his composure under pressure, Gopperth maintained clarity in decision-making during intense phases, adapting plays to suit the team's position on the field. However, he was not a primary ball-carrier like some peers, prioritizing orchestration over explosive runs, and faced criticism for occasional injury proneness, including multiple knee issues that sidelined him for extended periods. In his early New Zealand career, Gopperth emphasized running lines and a balanced kicking game to exploit gaps, but his move to refined this into a more tactical, territory-focused approach, emphasizing long-range kicks and structured distribution to suit conditions. Later in his career, particularly after age 35, he evolved into a mentorship role on the field, guiding younger players while reducing his physical load through as , which built core strength, balance, and shoulder stability to sustain . This adaptation allowed him to remain effective into his 40s, focusing on smart positioning rather than high-impact carries.

Awards, records, and statistics

Gopperth's standout individual honors include the Premiership Player of the Season award in 2016/17, recognizing his pivotal role in Wasps' league-leading campaign. He also earned the Rugby Players' Association (RPA) Players' Player of the Year in the same season, voted by his peers for his consistent performance across 21 matches. Additionally, he secured the Gilbert Golden Boot as the Premiership's top points scorer that year with 292 points. Earlier, during his tenure with , Gopperth was the Premiership's leading points scorer in 2010/11, amassing 230 points to help keep the team competitive. Among his key records, Gopperth holds the distinction as Wasps' all-time leading points scorer with 1,263 points across 156 appearances, surpassing previous benchmarks during his seven-year stint from to 2022. He contributed significantly to Leinster's 2014 Pro12 title, scoring 14 points in the final victory over . Over his career, Gopperth became one of the most capped players, reaching 526 appearances by his retirement in 2025. He amassed over 4,500 points in total, establishing him as a prolific scorer across multiple leagues. Career statistics highlight Gopperth's longevity and output: 526 appearances and more than 4,500 points across all levels, with a breakdown of approximately 119 games and 1,009 points in competitions, 346 games and 2,865 points in , and 61 games with over 300 points in . He was a consistent performer in the Premiership, finishing as top scorer three times (2009/10, 2010/11, and 2016/17) and in the top 10 multiple seasons thereafter. Notable milestones include reaching his 500th professional game in May 2024 during a match for against , a testament to his enduring fitness at age 40.

Personal life and legacy

Family and interests

Jimmy Gopperth is married to Gopperth, whom he met during his early career in . The couple has relocated multiple times in support of his professional commitments, including moves from to in 2009, then to with , back to with Wasps and later , and finally to France with . Gopperth and his wife have two children: a named Bayley and a son named Weston. He has emphasized the importance of work-life balance, often prioritizing family time to maintain perspective amid his demanding career, with their support playing a key role in his decision to retire in 2025 after 23 years in professional rugby. Raised on a 200-acre dairy in the foothills of , , Gopperth developed a lasting interest in from his childhood experiences cows and working the land. An avid surfer since his youth on New Zealand's , he credits the sport with enhancing his longevity by building core strength and preventing injuries, and he continues to pursue it alongside in his post-rugby life. Gopperth has been involved in rugby community initiatives as a role model, including virtual meet-and-greets with fans and support for local clubs, though he has not been publicly associated with major charitable organizations. Following his retirement, he has expressed interest in potential coaching roles while focusing on family and personal pursuits like .

Impact on rugby

Throughout his 23-year professional career, Jimmy Gopperth served as a mentor to emerging fly-halves in both the Premiership and beyond, leveraging his extensive experience to guide younger talents. At Wasps, he provided invaluable insights to , who credited Gopperth alongside for sharing knowledge that accelerated his development as a first-choice No. 10. Similarly, after joining in 2022, Gopperth was described as a mentor to Charlie Atkinson, with the young playmaker reuniting with his "Uncle Jimmy" and benefiting from the veteran's kicking expertise and leadership in the dressing room. Gopperth's role extended beyond on-field instruction, fostering a supportive environment that emphasized vocal leadership and tactical composure, qualities he himself honed early in his career. Gopperth's legacy in rugby is defined by his remarkable longevity, playing 526 professional matches across , , , and without achieving senior international stardom for the All Blacks, where he was limited to junior representative honors. This endurance—spanning from his debut in 2002 to his retirement at age 42 in November 2025—positions him as an exemplar in the professional era, where careers often shorten due to physical demands. His sustained excellence at club level, contributing to titles with and Wasps, inspired late-bloomers by demonstrating that peak performance could arrive later in one's career, particularly for those overlooked early on. Family support played a key role in enabling this prolonged commitment, allowing him to balance professional rigors with personal stability. Post-retirement, speculation surrounds Gopperth's potential transition into , given his technical proficiency and mentorship track record, though he has not yet confirmed any formal roles as of November 2025. He has spoken publicly on 's financial vulnerabilities, expressing profound sadness over Wasps' 2022 collapse, highlighting the club's storied history and the impact on its community. No inductions into club halls of fame have been confirmed to date. Gopperth's career bridged New Zealand's expansive, attacking style with the structured, territorial approaches prevalent in , adapting seamlessly after moving abroad in 2009 and thriving in environments like the Premiership. Hailing from a rural farm background, his unyielding —rooted in a grounded upbringing of cows and —served as a , emphasizing resilience and humility amid the sport's elite pressures.

References

  1. [1]
    Jimmy Gopperth (Fly-half / Centre) | Leicester Tigers
    Born in New Zealand, he was selected to represent Wellington's provincial team in 2003 after impressing for Old Boys University, before signing with Super Rugby ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  2. [2]
    'It's about time' - Jimmy Gopperth hangs up boots after 526 games
    Nov 2, 2025 · Jimmy Gopperth has announced his retirement at the age of 42, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable 23-year career spanning 526 professional ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  3. [3]
    Jimmy Gopperth - Hire Rugby Speaker
    Jimmy Gopperth is a professional rugby player from New Zealand, now based in the UK, having moved after signing with Newcastle Falcons in 2009.
  4. [4]
    Jimmy Gopperth - Rugby Journal
    Jul 17, 2023 · Jimmy played from a young age at Ōpunake Rugby Club, mostly barefoot until he was thirteen, and then at New Plymouth Boys' High School where he ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  5. [5]
    Jimmy Gopperth First five-eighth View profile - Hurricanes: Player
    Bio. Taranaki raised former Wellington first five-eighth Jimmy Gopperth started all 12 games in his debut Hurricanes season in 2005 and amassed 139 points, ...
  6. [6]
    Jimmy Gopperth still going strong in the Premiership - All Blacks
    Feb 10, 2023 · Now 39 years of age, Gopperth, the former Hurricanes and Blues first five-eighths, is still plying his trade in England's Premiership.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  7. [7]
    Jimmy GOPPERTH : stats - All.Rugby
    Jimmy GOPPERTH is a 42-year-old New Zealander rugby player standing at 1.78 m tall (5 ft 10 in) and weighing in at 90 kg (14 st 2.42 lb; 198.42 lb)
  8. [8]
    Jimmy Gopperth cleans up at Aviva Premiership awards - ESPN
    May 17, 2017 · Jimmy Gopperth has swept the board in English rugby's top awards by being named the Aviva Premiership player of the season. The Kiwi playmaker ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  9. [9]
    Exclusive: Jimmy Gopperth on turning back on chasing All Black ...
    Apr 28, 2018 · Having grown up on the wild west coast of New Zealand's North Island, close to the small town of Opunake on a dairy farm, Gopperth seemed to ...
  10. [10]
    Jimmy Gopperth: the classy Kiwi at Wasps is still going strong
    Sep 4, 2020 · Dad is a dairy farmer, in Pihama, a village about ten minutes from Opunake. That's where I went to school as well, just up the road. The farming ...
  11. [11]
    Jimmy Gopperth - Ultimate Rugby
    Born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, Gopperth is a ball distributing flyhalf with a dead-eye right boot. Having graduated from New Plymouth Boys' High School.
  12. [12]
    Jimmy Gopperth is having a blast at youth-inspired Premiership ...
    Sep 18, 2020 · “I'm from a dairy farm and where I grew up is very rural, a place south of New Plymouth on the coast called Opunake, which has a lovely little ...
  13. [13]
    Jimmy Gopperth Player Profile & Stats - Rugby Database
    Career Summary ; Hurricanes, 2005, 2008 ; Blues, 2009, 2009 ; Wasps, 2019, 2022 ; Leicester Tigers, 2022, 2023 ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  14. [14]
    Wellington have had enough of silver medals - NZ Herald
    Gopperth, 23, played for Wellington in the 2003 and 2004 provincial defeats and the foggy Super 14 final loss this season against the Crusaders. Until the ...Missing: 2005 | Show results with:2005
  15. [15]
    Hurricanes reach Super 14 final - Cape Argus
    Sydney - Jimmy Gopperth kicked a 50m penalty eight minutes from time to hand New Zealand's Hurricanes a 16-14 win over Australia's New South Wales Waratahs ...
  16. [16]
    Jimmy Gopperth relishing Wasps' forward thinking - The Telegraph
    Dec 10, 2016 · When Jimmy Gopperth left New Zealand to join Newcastle in 2009, he was not just swapping hemispheres but rugby universes.
  17. [17]
    Newcastle grab play-off advantage after Jimmy Gopperth sinks ...
    May 23, 2013 · Newcastle's overall control of the game and Jimmy Gopperth's boot will also make them favourites to bounce back into the top flight of English ...Missing: helped reach 2012/13
  18. [18]
    Gopperth To Leave Leinster For Wasps - Irish Rugby
    Jan 7, 2015 · Jimmy Gopperth joined Leinster at the start of last year from Newcastle Falcons and has, to date, made 45 appearances (31 starts) and has scored ...Missing: praise | Show results with:praise
  19. [19]
    Early BOD blow not enough to derail clinical Leinster from retaining ...
    Leinster secured their second successive Pro12 title with a 22-point win over Glasgow Warriors. 8.21pm, 31 May 2014.
  20. [20]
    Leinster retain Pro12 title in fine style - RTE
    Jun 2, 2014 · The defending champions strangled the life out of Glasgow as Jimmy Gopperth made it 20-12 by the 66th minute and the final gloss was added ...Missing: contribution | Show results with:contribution
  21. [21]
    Wasps playmaker Jimmy Gopperth wins Aviva Premiership Player of ...
    May 17, 2017 · Jimmy Gopperth, the Wasps fly-half, completed a hat-trick of rugby awards when he was named Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season.
  22. [22]
    Jimmy Gopperth is Premiership Rugby Player of the Season
    May 17, 2017 · Gopperth propelled Wasps to the top of the table with ... His 221 points with the boot earned him the Gilbert Golden Boot Award for 2016-17.
  23. [23]
    Leicester Tigers sign Jimmy Gopperth
    May 12, 2022 · Leicester Tigers will welcome Jimmy Gopperth to the club ahead of the 2022/23 season. The versatile back will join Leicester from Wasps.Missing: adaptation | Show results with:adaptation
  24. [24]
    Leicester Tigers ponder Premiership Cup selection following Wasps ...
    Oct 17, 2022 · Centre Jimmy Gopperth joined the Tigers for this season following seven years as a Wasps player. "Such a sad day, thoughts are with all players ...Missing: collapse | Show results with:collapse
  25. [25]
    Jimmy Gopperth to play on aged 40 after French move confirmed
    Provence have confirmed as true last week's speculation that a deal was struck to sign Jimmy Gopperth, allowing the Kiwi to continue to play professionally ...
  26. [26]
    Provence Rugby - Wikipedia
    In the 2023-24 Pro D2 season Provence Rugby finished the regular season in first place. This was the first time in the clubs history that they made the finals ...
  27. [27]
    Provence Rugby Rugby profile, stats, history & records
    Aug 27, 2021 · Most Games: Player Image Jimmy Gopperth (52). Most Points: Player Image Jimmy Gopperth (289). Most Tries: Player Image Jimmy Gopperth (4). Team ...
  28. [28]
    Jimmy Gopperth: 500 games and another milestone to come?
    May 22, 2024 · Evergreen fly-half Jimmy Gopperth is still going strong as he approaches his 41st birthday, clocking up 500 pro games along the way.
  29. [29]
    Jimmy Gopperth What a career! All the best for the ...
    Nov 2, 2025 · Born in 1958 in Breyten, Transvaal, Botha showed talent across multiple sports before focusing on rugby, where his kicking and game control ...Alpaca Farm Tour in Odessa - FacebookHow to find information about ancestor Francis in Whanganui?More results from www.facebook.com
  30. [30]
    jimmy gopperth (@jimmygopps) / Posts / X
    jimmy gopperth (@jimmygopps) - Posts - Professional rugby player, mad keen surfer/golfer,Instagram jimmygopperth Agent @CSM_worldwide Amb..Missing: 2023-2025 | Show results with:2023-2025<|control11|><|separator|>
  31. [31]
    James A Gopperth - New Zealand's Rugby History
    Surname: Gopperth · First names: James A · Known by: Jimmy · Clubs: Petone, OB University OB University (We) · Provincial teams: Wellington XV 2002, 2003Missing: family | Show results with:family
  32. [32]
    Leinster sign fly-half Jimmy Gopperth from Newcastle Falcons - BBC
    Mar 4, 2013 · The 29-year-old boasts vast Super 14 experience with 363 points in 53 outings for New Zealand club sides Blues and Hurricanes. He has also ...Missing: total | Show results with:total
  33. [33]
    Junior All Blacks too hot for Samoa - NZ Herald
    Jun 9, 2006 · First five-eighth Jimmy Gopperth was a standout with 26 points, including his team's sixth try as well as a nine-from-10 return from the boot.
  34. [34]
    Jimmy Gopperth: I'd have played for England if I could - The Times
    May 19, 2017 · In 2006, he made two appearances for the Junior All Blacks, against Samoa in Albany and Tonga in his home town of New Plymouth. Those two caps ...
  35. [35]
    Leinster Complete Signing Of Gopperth - Irish Rugby
    Mar 4, 2013 · Having steered New Zealand to victory in the Under-21 World Championship final back in 2004, Gopperth played in the Air New Zealand Cup for ...
  36. [36]
    Barbarians vs Ireland XV (non-cap) - 5/28/2015 - Barbarian FC
    Barbarians. 22. 21. Ireland XV (non-cap). Match Events. Zane Kirchner - 5pts; Alex Cuthbert - 10pts; James Gopperth - 7pts. Barbarians Lineup. Player, Position ...
  37. [37]
    Ireland vs Barbarians - Match Statistics - 28 May, 2015 - ESPN
    Jimmy Gopperth(44', 74'). Jimmy Gopperth(55'). SummarySummary · CommentaryCommentary · Match StatsMatch Stats · Player StatsPlayer Stats · LineupsLineups. Match ...
  38. [38]
    Ireland v Barbarians: Ulster's Pienaar in Baa-Baas team - BBC Sport
    He leads a side containing nine different nationalities with 466 international appearances between them. It includes his Leinster team-mates Zane Kirchner and ...
  39. [39]
    NIQs, projects, and IQs: A decade of Irish rugby signings from abroad
    May 12, 2024 · 40-year-old Gopperth is still playing now with Provence in the French second division. Munster: As Aussie centre Andrew Smith moved on after one ...Missing: pathway | Show results with:pathway
  40. [40]
    Jimmy Gopperth - Wasps' man for all seasons...and positions!
    Feb 21, 2017 · ... kicking fly half with above average defensive qualities and excellent game-management skills. ... What Jimmy has is the threat of his kicking game ...
  41. [41]
    Wasps have quality to fill Jimmy Gopperth's potent boots says Dai ...
    Aug 28, 2018 · Losing the man who scored over a sixth of your team's total points last year, and has a kicking success rate of 80 per cent, for nine months ...
  42. [42]
    Jimmy Gopperth: Wasps lose prolific fly-half to ACL injury - BBC Sport
    Aug 27, 2018 · Wasps could be without playmaker Jimmy Gopperth for up to nine months after anterior cruciate ligament surgery.
  43. [43]
    Jimmy Gopperth the player-coach can stage a shock victory
    Oct 24, 2020 · Gopperth was more of a running and kicking fly half at Newcastle Falcons, utilising a game plan to suit that team. Moving to Wasps, via ...
  44. [44]
    The unlikely secret to Jimmy Gopperth's longevity - Rugbypass.com
    Sep 17, 2022 · Gopperth, born in New Plymouth, suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2018 but bounced back with typical enthusiasm and said: ...Missing: education | Show results with:education
  45. [45]
    Leicester Tigers fly-half on playing at 39, surfing & state of rugby - BBC
    Feb 8, 2023 · Leicester Tigers fly-half and passionate surfer Jimmy Gopperth says he has ridden rugby union's wave of success. He also fears what the wipeout ...Missing: adaptation | Show results with:adaptation
  46. [46]
    Gopperth named Premiership's best - Planet Rugby
    May 18, 2017 · Gopperth played in 21 of Wasps' 22 Premiership Rugby matches this season as they climbed to first place in the League helped by his 266 points ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  47. [47]
    Premiership report: From Leicester to Leeds, a look back at 2010-11
    May 6, 2011 · Only the accurate kicking of Jimmy Gopperth, the Premiership's leading points-scorer, has kept them afloat; no team in the league, Leeds ...
  48. [48]
    Jimmy Gopperth: 11 highs and lows of seven years at Wasps
    Feb 2, 2022 · The end of Jimmy Gopperth's Wasps career is upon us. After seven years and 26 days, and 142 appearances and 1,158 points - it was confirmed ...
  49. [49]
    Leinster carry on regardless to claim PRO12 title - The Irish Times
    May 31, 2014 · Jimmy Gopperth and Zane Kirchner, signed with the unenviable tasks of replacing club icons, Jonathan Sexton and Isa Nacewa, drove this victory ...
  50. [50]
    Jimmy Gopperth pens new Wasps contract - Planet Rugby
    May 22, 2020 · In a prolific season, his total of 331 points made him the Premiership's top scorer for the third time, and he added the RPA, Premiership Rugby ...
  51. [51]
    Sarah Gopps (@sarah.gopperth) • Facebook, Connect with friends
    Lives in Warwick, Warwickshire. 󱘛. From Wellington, New Zealand. 󱛏. Joined December 2008. 󱘋. Photos. See more from Sarah Gopps.
  52. [52]
    Gopperth fight plan | Irish Independent
    Dec 27, 2013 · My wife Sarah and I focus more on the kids and it's great to come home to them each evening and be able to park rugby at the (front) door.
  53. [53]
    Jimmy Gopperth: 'I'm a country lad from a farm – rugby is not ...
    Sep 24, 2021 · The 38-year-old Wasps fly-half played with Tana Umaga, and now lines up with Umaga's nephew Jacob, but he is in no rush to retire.Missing: background education
  54. [54]
    Premiership Rugby announce Gallagher Community Player of the ...
    Jimmy Gopperth has always been a community focused player. Giving up his time to do Zoom calls with fans, working with local grassroots clubs and supporting ...Missing: philanthropy | Show results with:philanthropy