WASPS’ VETERAN NEW Zealand fly-half Jimmy Gopperth completed his domination of the player of the season awards in taking the Premiership accolade on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old, who also played for Newcastle and Leinster during his eight-year European sojourn, added this to his awards from Wasps and the Rugby Players Association.
For good measure Gopperth also won the Premiership Golden Boot for his 221 points with the boot and the try of the season at the awards dinner in London.
Gopperth, never capped by the All Blacks at senior level, still has work to do on the pitch.
Wasps finished top of the table at the end of the regular season and now want to round it off by taking the Premiership title.
They face Leicester Tigers in a tough semi-final on Saturday with champions Saracens or last year’s beaten finalists Exeter awaiting them in the final if they emerge victorious from the last-four clash.
It’s difficult to put into words just how valuable Jimmy has been for our squad, both on and off the pitch,” said Wasps rugby director Dai Young.
“We all know he is a quality fly-half, but his ability to play 10, 12, 13 and even a couple of games at full-back for us this season has really helped the side.
“Jimmy always puts the team before himself and he’s always played at a very high standard in every position he’s played.
He’s a real club man and a quality player who deserves all the accolades he’s got this season. He’s also one of the most modest guys you could meet, really hard-working and a real leader around the camp.”
Young picked up director of the year award, whilst Christian Wade won the try scorer of the season for his haul of 17.
Leicester’s Ellis Genge won Discovery of the Season and Exeter’s Sam Simmonds the Premiership 7s player of the tournament.
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