TRANSFER NEWS | Jimmy Gopperth makes decision on future

“It’s an incredibly exciting time to be involved with Wasps," said Gopperth.

"The last 5 years have been so enjoyable and I feel this team is building towards being really successful - I want to be part of that!

"I want to win some trophies, and the boys are really focussed on doing that. As a player I feel I’ve got a lot more to give and I’m really excited for the future.”

A native of New Plymouth, Taranaki, he spent three years playing provincial rugby for Wellington, before joining the Hurricanes in 2005. He moved to the Blues in 2009, but only spent a season there, before leaving his home country to join Newcastle Falcons. His prolific goal-kicking did much to keep them in the Premiership in 2009/10 and 2010/11, but he could not save them a year later, when Wasps survived by the skin of their teeth, to condemn them to the drop. During his time at Kingston Park he was twice the Premiership’s top scorer.

He stayed with them as they won immediate promotion in 2012/13, before moving to Leinster for two seasons. He signed for Wasps ahead of the 2015/16 season, taking over the number 10 shirt from Andy Goode. The highlight of his first campaign was the nerveless conversion from near the right touchline to secure a dramatic one-point victory over Exeter in the Champions Cup quarter-final at Ricoh Arena. He ended the season with just under 250 points.

With Danny Cipriani returning to his old club for the 2016/17 season, he moved out to inside centre - second five-eighth, to New Zealanders. In a prolific season, his total of 331 points made him the Premiership’s top scorer for the third time, and he added the RPA, Premiership Rugby and Wasps Player of the Season awards.

Injury in a pre-season friendly in Connacht ruled him out for eight months and his 2018/19 season was then ended, when he suffered another injury shortly after coming on as a replacement in his comeback game.

This season he has been back to his best with his wisdom and experience playing a key role in the excellent run of results which lifted Wasps to fifth place in the Premiership, before the tournament was put on hold.

He has now made ninety-six appearances for Wasps, including one at full-back, scoring a total of 819 points. His overall total of 1351 Premiership points places him eighth in the all-time scoring list.

The NSW Waratahs fly-half, who was due to join Kubota Spears in Japan, has been rumoured to be looking for a short-term deal in the Gallagher Premiership following drastic pay-cuts in Australia.

The 30-year-old playmaker, who has won 70 caps for the Wallabies, broke the Australian record for most individual points in a Test against England, with 28 of Australia’s 33 as they thrashed England by 20 points in the pool stages of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Nicknamed the 'iceman' for his coolness under pressure, Foley would be the perfect replacement.

The most unlikely of the three. Carter, who celebrated his 38th birthday last month, seems to have no intention of hanging up his boots just yet.

It would seem that Rugby United New York from Major League Rugby are the early favourite to sign the 112-cap All Blacks legend.

The chances of seeing him play in the Premiership feel pretty remote, but it'd be stupid of Wasps not to try.

The most economical and perhaps most feasible option seems to be bringing in the out of contract Bath fly-half, who will make a decision on his future this week according to The Rugby Paper.

From the Premiership, Newcastle and Wasps have been linked while he's also reportedly considering offers from Top 14 leaders Lyon, as well as numerous clubs in Japan.

If he's still hungry to play in the Premiership, he could be a very worthwhile addition.

The Wallaby could make a quick return to the Gallagher Premiership after, like Foley, receiving a considerable pay-cut from the Australian Rugby Union.

Toomua, who can also operate at inside-centre, won the last of his 52 Australia caps against England at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

He'd be a superb signing due to his Premiership experience, versatility, and intelligent game management.

The 32-year-old is another Aussie number 10 who has been linked with a move to the Gallagher Premiership in recent days.

Leali'ifano is set to be out of contract with the Brumbies and is sounding out what options could be available for him in Europe.

Not as glamorous as some of the other options, but he'd bring bags of enthusiasm and is deadly off the tee.