Updated 17:35

LEINSTER HAVE THIS afternoon confirmed the signing of Newcastle Falcons number 10, Jimmy Gopperth on a two-year deal.

The Kiwi will fill the vacancy of a senior out-half at Leinster left by Jonathan Sexton.

With Ian Madigan’s call-up to Ireland’s senior squad in place of Ronan O’Gara yesterday he can expect a lot more of his time to be take up by international camps next season.

Gopperth will bring an experienced option in what could be Joe Schmidt’s final season in Dublin. The former Auckland Blue, who will be 30 by the start of next season, will provide a varied skill-set but his primary asset to the eastern province will be his accuracy from placed balls.

“We believe that he will be an excellent foil for Ian Madigan,” said head coach Joe Schmidt, “bringing added depth and experience to the out-half position when he joins this summer.

“Even though Newcastle have struggled in recent years, he has been a hugely consistent performer during his time in England where he won back-to-back Premiership Golden Boot awards.”

Here’s a taste of what the RDS can expect to see later this year.

YouTube credit: NewcastleFalconsTV

And here he is getting knocked out by a scrum-half…

YouTube credit: 187prettyboy

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