Is Jimmy Gopperth the man to replace Jonny Sexton at Leinster?

While Jonny Sexton is battling to be fit to face France at the weekend, reports today suggest that Leinster have lined up his replacement for next season.

By Declan Whooley

While eyebrows were raised when the Leinster out-half decided not to renew his IRFU contract in favour of a move to France, it did allow the province time to scour the market for a replacement. And according to some sources, that replacement has been found.

Brendan Fanning today tweeted that New Zealand-born Jimmy Gopperth is on the way from the Newcastle Falcons.

The 29 year-old has been playing for the Newcastle Falcons since 2009 and has experience in the Super XV with the Hurricanes and the Blues. Though he has never earned an international cap for the All Blacks, he has one appearance for Junior Blacks.

A reliable kicker with a solid all round game, whether he would be number one choice or a back-up for Ian Madigan.

And he is used to the hard-knocks as this hit from Jimmy Cown a few years back highlights.

Doesn't look like he will be caught out defensively, but as we say, the move has yet to be confirmed by Leinster themselves.