Jimmy Gopperth has announced his retirement at the age of 42, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable 23-year career spanning 526 professional games.<\/p>\n
The New Zealander confirmed the news on social media on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The Taranaki-born fly-half and centre became a stalwart of English and French club rugby, known for his consistency off the tee and his professionalism on and off the field.<\/p>\n
Provence Rugby<\/a> did not renew his contract last season and Gopperth has called time on his pro-career as a free agent.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about time\u2026\u201d Gopperth wrote on social media. \u201cAfter 23 years, 526 games, even though the body is saying don\u2019t give up the time is right to move onto the next chapter of my life. I\u2019ve been very fortunate to play this beautiful game for so long, rugby has given me so much. The people, the relationships, the memories I have created over time will last a lifetime.<\/p>\n \u201cA huge thanks to all the coaches and clubs who gave me the opportunities to develop as a player and as a person.<\/p>\n \u201cTo 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.<\/p>\n \u201cNone of this would\u2019ve been possible without the support from my family Sarah, Bayley, Weston, Mum, Dad, Lisa, Amy, Baz, family & friends back home I\u2019m truly grateful to all of you for your sacrifice in order for me to fulfil my dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n Gopperth\u2019s journey took him from Wellington<\/a> and the Hurricanes<\/a> to Leinster, Newcastle, Wasps, Leicester<\/a> and, most recently, Provence Rugby in France\u2019s Pro D2.<\/p>\n Amazingly Gopperth wasn\u2019t the oldest professional player plying his trade in France, with Ma\u2019a Nonu<\/a> still going strong for Toulon<\/a> at the age of 43. <\/p>\n