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Jimmy Gopperth shows he has still got it at the age of 41

By Liam Heagney
Jimmy Gopperth in action for Provence (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Veteran Jimmy Gopperth provided a new-season reminder on Friday night that he still has plenty to offer as a 41-year-old player in the pro ranks. It was the summer of 2023, having finished up at Leicester Tigers, when the Kiwi opted to try his luck in the French Pro D2.

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The out-half proved to be an excellent signing, starting in 23 of his 27 appearances in a hectic campaign that ended with Provence finishing in first place on the table only to lose a promotion play-off semi-final at home to Grenoble by a point.

It was last January when Gopperth, who made an NPC debut for Wellington in 2004, spoke at length with RugbyPass about his considerable career in New Zealand, England, Ireland and now France. At the time he was unsure if he would be continuing at Provence but a one-year extension was ultimately agreed and he got his 2024/25 campaign off to a flyer at Stade Maurice David.

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Springbok captain Siya Kolisi talks about his friendship with Ardie Savea

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Springbok captain Siya Kolisi talks about his friendship with Ardie Savea

Provence were trailing Agen 14-18 when Gopperth was introduced off the bench for the closing 22 minutes to try and help a team that had shipped two yellow cards and a red for Guillaume Piazzoli after reaching the interval 14-13 ahead with the full complement of players.

His introduction was pivotal as he went on to score the result-clinching converted try on 73 minutes which handed Provence their 21-18 success against an Agen XV that had ex-Exeter scrum-half Jack Maunder and former Bristol winger Henry Purdy in their starting selection, with Billy Searle providing out-half cover from the bench.

Elsewhere in the opening round of the French second-tier, former England winger Jonny May was a debut-making winner for Soyaux-Angouleme following his summer switch from Gloucester. The 34-year-old, who was a Steve Borthwick pick at Rugby World Cup 2023, didn’t get on the scoresheet but he played the full 80 minutes in his new team’s 31-24 win at Aurillac.

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Comments

1 Comment
A
AT 18 days ago

Awesome professional! Now enjoying a great life style location with top rugby. Shrewd.

J
JW 19 days ago

Crickey does he have a zimmerframe or run around in an iron suit?

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Bull Shark 1 hour ago
Why Rassie Erasmus should cull some Boks veterans for 2027

I think cull is the wrong word.


I think Rassie and the senior players will be pretty open and honest with each other about their prospects for another World Cup campaign. And, ironically, I don’t think Rassie is thinking as far ahead as 2027 in terms of who is going to go.


There are likely going to be injuries too where players one would assume will be at 2027 won’t feature. Think Marx and Am and 2023.


I think the priority is really having as many players as possible in contention for a spot on the 33 by the time squad selection comes around.


I made this point a while ago, but having double World Cup winners in the setup over the next 3 years is going to be golden for the boks. It’s like having a coach in each position.


Razor was criticized for having too many coaches in his team. Rassie has more than 15 player coaches at his disposal.


I think Siya is being teed up to play the same role Duane did at the 2023 RWC. Invitation to the coaching box this coming weekend included.


I think many of the old guard are playing a role in the team that certainly does not guarantee them a 2027 place but doesn’t hurt their chances at being selected - but they will have to be the no.1 or no. 2 best in that position to be selected at that time. There won’t be any dead weight - whether old or young.


In my mind the strategy would be quite simple. Take everyone who will be over 32 by 2027 and pencil their names in right now in slot number three for their relative position. We know what they can do and they know what they need to do to be in contention for 2027.


Then ask yourself who do we have to take position no.1 and no. 2. Tried and tested or not. Find them and trial them over the next 3 years. Their job is to keep the old guys out. And the old guys job is to help them do just that.


That’s what Rassie has to do and has started well trying 48 players and 11 debutants in year one as the article mentioned (and winning).


I reckon there’ll be another 5-10 new players tried by the end of this year, particularly in November.


2024 ✅

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