Jimmy Gopperth signing explained by Leicester Tigers boss as coaching role rumours are addressed

Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick has explained his decision to sign Jimmy Gopperth.

The veteran Kiwi has amassed more than 1,200 points in seven seasons as a Wasps player, taking him to fourth in the all-time Premiership point scorers list having also enjoyed a prolific spell at Newcastle Falcons earlier in his career.

Gopperth was confirmed to be leaving the Black and Golds in early February but his well-rumoured switch to Tigers was not officially unconfirmed until last week.

"He is clearly a top-class player," said Borthwick. "He has been for a number of years. [He] Has positional flexibility. I met with him, I was really impressed by his manner and his in-depth knowledge of the game. He clearly loves the game, and I am sure he is going to add enormously here."

Since 2017, Gopperth has juggled his professional rugby playing duties with a head coach role at Warwickshire rugby club, Nuneaton Old Edwardians. Under his guidance, and the support of fellow Wasps players Ashley Johnson, Craig Hampson and most recently, James Gaskell, the Old Eds have progressed on and off the pitch and were crowned Midlands 2 West South champions to move into level six next term.

Many Wasps fans hoped Gopperth would remain with the club beyond his playing days and join the coaching team, and speculation of his move to Mattioli Woods Welford Road was linked to a possible player/coach - similar to that which fellow experienced campaigner Richard Wigglesworth enjoys at Tigers.

Borthwick was asked whether that was the case, to which he replied: "He's signed as a player here."

Gopperth is just 20 days younger than scrum-half Wigglesworth, whose new deal was announced last week, and both will be 39 by the time they team