Jimmy Gopperth signs new deal with promotion-chasing Provence aged 40

Veteran fly-half Jimmy Gopperth has signed a one-year contract extension with Provence in France’s Pro D2 at the age of 40.

The former Junior All Black will be 41 in June and is already in the third decade of his varied career which started in 2003 with Wellington.

But Gopperth says he still has “a lot to offer” the club as they chase down promotion to the Top 14 next season. Provence currently sit in second place in the league, just two points behind leaders Vannes. They are in good shape to qualify for the promotion play-off, but the league winner is guaranteed promotion.

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The Kiwi arrived in the south of France in 2023 after a season with Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership. Prior to that he had spent seven years with Wasps, as well as spells with Leinster, Newcastle Falcons, and with Super Rugby outfits the Blues and the Hurricanes.

“We are developing something special here at Provence Rugby and I am excited about the future of this club,” he said after signing.

“I am excited to be a part of this group in the future as I feel I still have a lot to offer on and off the field within the team. I look forward to finishing the season strong. Come on the blacks.”

It is no wonder the former Wasps centurion is excited about the future of his club, with Wales legend George North set to arrive in the summer.

They have also shown their ambition by keeping hold of France U20 fullback Leo Drouet for another two seasons.

Drouet signed at the same time as Gopperth, and said: “Very proud and very happy to be able to wear the Provence rugby jersey again for the next two seasons. I’m in the right place to continue my progress with the goal of playing more and more. I am very proud to be part of this incredible project and very excited to continue giving my all on the pitch.”

Gopperth spoke to RugbyPass in January about how the contrast in rugby culture in France compared to the UK has given him a “new lease of life”.

“Rugby in the UK and Ireland is very structured,” he said.

“Guys understand the structure and where they need to be in certain plays whereas in France it’s very unstructured. As they say, ‘Joie, joie’. It’s taken me a bit to get used to being in a very structured environment for so many years, but it’s a breath of fresh air. We’ll run it from our own goal line. It’s just how it is, that French mentality, I really enjoy it. It’s like a cross between Super Rugby and English rugby, a bit of a hybrid. It has given me a new lease of life.”

Provence even hinted that this may not be the final year of Gopperth’s career, although he will be 42 come the end of next season after potentially playing a campaign in one of the toughest leagues in the world.

But that is not something he thinks about too much, as he dispensed his secrets to his remarkable longevity.

“I think it is just having a balanced life on and off the field but more so it’s probably just the hunger to compete. I have got a competitive edge that I always want to improve.

“Age is not a thing for me. I never think of my age, I just want to improve. I suppose all rugby players, we’re a little bit selfish in a way and I am really hungry to be the best I can be. You have got to make a lot of sacrifices.”