Jimmy Gopperth Calls Time on Stunning 23-Year Career After 526 Games

Saturday, 01 November 2025 at 11:57

bySteven Smith

Rugby legend Jimmy Gopperth has officially called time on his extraordinary 23-year professional career, bringing the curtain down on one of the sport’s great modern journeys.

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From Taranaki to Tokyo, the 42-year-old's story is one of endurance, class, and unwavering professionalism — a true servant of the game who has inspired teammates and fans alike.

“It’s about time... After 23 years, 526 games, even though the body is saying don’t give up, the time is right to move onto the next chapter of my life,” Gopperth wrote. “I’ve been very fortunate to play this beautiful game for so long. Rugby has given me so much.”

? A Career Spanning Four Countries

Starting out with Taranaki and the Hurricanes, Gopperth’s talents quickly took him overseas — starring for:

? Newcastle Falcons (2009–2013)
? Leinster (2013–2015)
⚫️ Wasps (2015–2022) – where he became a fan favourite and Premiership Player of the Year in 2017
? Leicester Tigers (2022–2023)
?? Black Rams Tokyo (2023–2024)

Across those stops, he amassed an astonishing 526 professional appearances and over 4,000 career points.

? Jimmy’s Farewell Message

“A huge thanks to all the coaches and clubs who gave me the opportunities to develop as a player and as a person.
To my teammates, thank you for making me feel part of the team — I will miss going into battle with you all, but mostly sharing a beer in the changing rooms.
None of this would've been possible without the support from my family — Sarah, Bayley, Weston, Mum, Dad, Lisa, Amy, Baz, family & friends back home. I'm truly grateful to all of you for your sacrifice in order for me to fulfil my dreams.
Thank you, merci beaucoup, Chur.”

❤️ Tributes Pour In

The rugby world quickly flooded social media with praise for the veteran playmaker — a man universally admired for his skill, humility, and longevity.

Joe Launchbury:

“Unreal career Jim.”

Ben Youngs:

“Jimmy, what a career. Absolute innings — well done mate ???”

Jack Willis:

“What a career Jimmy boy. Pleasure to have played with you mate ❤️”

Gabiriele Lovobalavu:

“Congrats koro on an amazing career ??”

Vaea Fifita:

“?”

Tommy Taylor:

“What a ride my friend! It was a pleasure to share a part of it with you ❤️”

André Esterhuizen:

“?? Great career mate!”

Each message echoed the same sentiment — Jimmy Gopperth, the ultimate professional and even better bloke.

? A Legacy Etched in Rugby History

Whether slotting match-winning kicks at the Ricoh, guiding youngsters in training, or continuing to defy time in Japan, Gopperth embodied everything great about rugby: discipline, humility, and pure love for the game.