Gopperth on loan to North Harbour

Friday 20th June 2008

The Wellington Rugby Union has announced that Jimmy Gopperth, 24, has been loaned out to North Harbour for the Air New Zealand Cup and would join his new team next week.

Having lost his starting position in the Hurricanes' starting line-up to Willie Ripia for the latter stages of this year's Super 14, he now finds himself surplus to requirements by Wellington for the New Zealand's domestic competition starting next month.

"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," said Wellington coach Jamie Joseph.

"I'm sure this move will give Jimmy the opportunity he is looking for."

Gopperth, who has played 46 matches for Wellington since 2002, said he needed regular game time.

"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," he said.

"My ultimate aim remains to play for the All Blacks and this move will give me the best possible chance of doing that.

North Harbour coach Wayne Pivac is happy enough to pick up Gopperth's services after a season-ending injury to his intended transfer from the northern hemisphere - London Wasps' number ten Dave Walder.

"Because of that, and the unavailability of four of our senior players through All Black duties, we welcome the experience that Jimmy Gopperth will bring to North Harbour," said Pivac.