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 at the age of 40. It was early May when the New Zealander – the oldest player at the age of 39 to ever appear in the Gallagher Premiership – confirmed his end-of-season departure from Leicester after a one-season pit-stop.
Now, just weeks before his next birthday, he has officially signed for Provence, the French Pro D2 side that recently finished their 2022/23 campaign in the mid-table position of eighth.
Gopperth, who started the May 14 Premiership semi-final for Leicester versus Sale in place of the injured Handre Pollard, had insisted he was keen to play on rather than retire and he has now got his wish.
A statement read: “Provence Rugby have announced the arrival for one season of Jimmy Gopperth, the New Zealand fly-half, from Leicester Tigers. Gopperth, whose characteristics correspond precisely to the staff's desire to bring experience, leadership and professionalism to the current squad, has played nearly 500 games during his immense career.
“It’s a longevity owed to an irreproachable lifestyle, but also to great technical qualities and a 10/12 versatility. This has earned him many games at fly-half and in midfield since his arrival in the English league in 2009.
“Gopperth played 20 games last season – including the semi-final against Sale as a starter. He has played three New Zealand NPC finals, a Super Rugby final, two English Premiership finals and was voted best player of the season in 2017. Chosen to be the successor to Jonny Wilkinson at Newcastle and Johnny Sexton at Leinster, Gopperth has an experience that will be an undeniable asset for the club's progress in the short term.
“A hard worker who has repeated over and over that he is not ready to hang up, this surf enthusiast has decided to embark on one last great challenge: to take Provence Rugby to the finals for the first time in its history.”
The Provence coaching staff is headed by ex-Argentina prop Mauricio Reggiardo and they recently confirmed that former France scrum-half Julien Dupuy will be their backs and attack coach next season.
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The first half penalties against NZ were for speculative tackling because England were attacking so flat. If NZ didn't do this then it may have been tries and not penalties conceded earlier. I believe Felix Jones is still helping with the transition online. It was quite clear he wasn't helping in person with Earls in particular shooting up and leaving huge holes. NZ had a few that nearly stuck but the two tries by Telea were defensive errors. Furbank biting on Sititi leaving Genge to mark. Genge wont show Telea the outside again. Poor tacking on Telea for the second. That said he is a hard man to grab hold of.
Isolating Genge was clever for Jordans try. NZ spotted he defended wide too often and they could leave a gap with that switch play. 6 day turnaround for Ireland now.
I imagine NZ will be better, but they will need to be a lot better.
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