Rugby: Newcastle push for early release of Gopperth

North Harbour and Blues first five-eighth Jimmy Gopperth has signed a three-year contract with English premiership club Newcastle.

The 25-year-old will be a standout performer in England, according to Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates on the club's website yesterday.

"Jimmy is an outstanding talent who has excelled at Super 14 level and has the ability to really steer this team forward," Bates said.

"There is quality about everything he does, he is at just the right age."

Also at Newcastle are world-class All Blacks prop Carl Hayman and Gopperth's former team-mate at Wellington and the Hurricanes, Tane Tu'ipulotu.

England and Newcastle veteran No 10 Jonny Wilkinson's future is still uncertain because of ongoing injuries and reports linking him with a shift to Toulon. The club's stand-in first five-eighth Tom May has confirmed a move to France.

"Jimmy is a fantastic goal kicker who links well, scores tries and leads the backline in a very expert manner with his tactical kicking," Bates said. "The reports from guys like Carl Hayman and Tane Tu'ipulotu ... have all been excellent and we are excited about the prospect of having him on board."

Gopperth is contracted to begin in November after he contests the Air NZ Cup with North Harbour, although Bates hoped the shift could happen sooner.

"We are pushing hard to secure an early release from that so he can join us for pre-season in July."

- NZPA