KEY POINTS:
Jimmy Gopperth's loan move to North Harbour became permanent yesterday when their new captain signed on for another provincial rugby campaign.
Gopperth, judged surplus to requirements at table-topping Wellington this season, announced a one-year deal with Harbour.
The first five-eighths also becomes eligible for the Blues in the Super 14 and is likely to be a contender for No 10 jersey alongside Auckland's Lachie Munro.
Harbour's faint hopes of making the quarter-finals were dashed when they were beaten 29-22 by Auckland last weekend to leave them in 12th position before Saturday's final-round clash with Counties-Manukau at Mt Smart Stadium.
Although Gopperth has signed on, Harbour remains without a coach for next season after Wayne Pivac announced he would be stepping down at the end of the season.
- NZPA
