Gopperth to exit Leinster

Editor

Leinster playmaker Jimmy Gopperth will leave the Irish province at the end of the current season, it has been confirmed.

Leinster assistant coach Richie Murphy says the Kiwi fly-half is in talks with a number of other clubs, including Aviva Premiership side Wasps.

With Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton returning to Dublin next season from Racing Metro, Gopperth would have been set to play second fiddle in the Leinster set up.

Utility back Ian Madigan is also contracted until 2016 with Leinster, forcing Gopperth to explore his options elsewhere as he seeks regulat first-team action.

“Jimmy was given a heads-up early on about Johnny coming back and he feels he still wants to be a first-team player,” said Leinster assistant coach Richie Murphy.

“He has decided to have a look around and that is where that is at the moment. We are aware that he is looking and we are aware that Wasps were talking to him but they aren’t the only team talking to him. He is a quality player and tens are hard to come by around Europe.

“It was probably a tough enough position for him to be in but you wouldn’t see that on a daily basis,” Murphy continued. “He is the same person he was last year and he put in a good performance last Sunday.”

Murphy added that the three-time European champions were hoping to extend Madigan’s contract.

“That process of signing Ian will start in and around that World Cup time,” he explained.

“Ian has been a fantastic player for us this season and his goal kicking has been phenomenal. His ability to slot in and out of different positions is great and he has no preconceived notions about where he should be playing.”