Jimmy Gopperth 'in talks with Wasps' as Richie Murphy claims fly-half will leave Leinster

Jimmy Gopperth is in talks with Wasps and will leave Leinster next year, according to one of the Irish club's coaches.

The New Zealander's two-year deal is up at the end of the season, and Leinster have already confirmed Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton will return from Racing Metro next summer.

Gopperth has further competition in the shape of Sexton's Ireland understudy Ian Madigan, and Leinster's kicking coach Richie Murphy says the 31-year-old is already looking for a new club.

"Jimmy was given a heads-up early on about Johnny coming back and he feels he still wants to be a first-team player," Murphy said.

"He has decided to have a look around and that is where that is at the moment. We are aware that he is looking and we are aware that Wasps were talking to him but they aren't the only team talking to him. He is a quality player and tens are hard to come by around Europe.

"It was probably a tough enough position for him to be in but you wouldn't see that on a daily basis. He is the same person he was last year."

Murphy also revealed plans to tie Madigan to a contract beyond 2016, when his current deal expires.

"That process of signing Ian will start in and around that World Cup time," he said. "Ian has been a fantastic player for us this season and his goal kicking has been phenomenal.
 
"His ability to slot in and out of different positions is great and he has no preconceived notions about where he should be playing."