Wasps expect Jimmy Gopperth to return quicker than anticipated

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young has revealed that New Zealand born fly-half Jimmy Gopperth is expected to return quicker than anticipated as he is currently recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery.

The 35-year-old sustained the knee-ligament injury during the club's pre-season friendly against Connacht in August and underwent a surgery to address the issue.

It was initially announced that Gopperth might need up to nine months of recovery period but Young has confirmed that the former Newcastle Falcons star is ahead of the schedule.

"We’re not a charity, we’re a sporting organisation that need players to be playing," said Young to CoventryLive

"The prognosis is that he’s ahead of schedule and anyone that knows Jimmy, knows his attitude.

"If anyone is going to come back quicker, it’s Jimmy. He’s a real leader on the field which I think we’ve missed.

"He’s a real leader and organiser for our attack."

Gopperth was among five Wasps players who recently signed a contract extension with the Gallagher Premiership club and Young believes the Kiwi has a lot to offer.

"He’s a real utility player. Everyone knows he’s a quality 10, a quality 12 and a quality 15 so he’s very valuable to the squad. He plays two or three positions at high quality," he added.

"The players respect and look up to him and he’s gets right behind the team. We’re confident he’s got another good season in him.

"You talk to Jimmy, he reckons he has another three or four but you wouldn’t doubt that looking at the way he plays."

Wasps are currently positioned fourth in the Gallagher Premiership table with five wins from 10 matches.