'Old' Gopperth loaned to North Harbour
Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:58
Jimmy Gopperth, not yet 25, is regarded as 'too old' for the Wellington Lions and will play for Northern Harbour in the Air New Zealand Cup competition this year.
Wellington head coach Jamie Joseph confirmed on Friday that first five-eighth (No.10) Gopperth will play for North Harbour under a loan arrangement. He will link up with his new province next week.
"Jimmy asked for some assurances around game time and we weren't able to make any guarantees at this stage, as we are keen to see how our younger players develop throughout the season," Joseph said in explaining the reasons behind the move.
"I'm sure this move will give Jimmy the opportunity he is looking for," he added.
Gopperth, obviously disappointed at being regarded as surplus to requirements at the Lions, said he will make the most of his opportunities at North Harbour.
"It was a hard decision to leave Wellington, but I still consider myself to be a young player and in order for me to fulfil my potential I need to be playing week in, week out," Gopperth said.
"My ultimate aim remains to play for the All Blacks and this move will give me the best possible chance of doing that. My New Zealand Rugby Union [NZRU] contract runs until the end of 2009 and this is the final year of my contract with Wellington, so I will be making some decisions about my future in the coming months."
North Harbour head coach Wayne Pivac was obviously delighted at his new recruit.
"With the season ending injury to Englishman and London Wasps first five-eighth [flyhalf] Dave Walder, and the unavailability of four of our senior players through All Black duties, we welcome the experience that Jimmy Gopperth will bring to the North Harbour side this season," he said.
Gopperth, who will turn 25 later this month, would have played his 50th game for the Lions in this year's Air New Zealand Cup competition, had he stayed in Wellington. He made his debut in 2002 as a fresh-faced 19-year-old. He has also played 40-odd Super Rugby games for the Hurricanes, having made his debut in 2005.
