Jimmy Gopperth will leave Leinster at the end of the season to join Wasps.
The move has been widely expected, after confirmation that Jonathan Sexton would rejoin Leinster after the World Cup this year.
New Zealand born out half Gopperth joined Leinster last season, winning the PRO12 title in his first season.
He has shared the out-half role this season with Ian Madigan.
Leinster Coach Matt O'Connor admitted he was “disappointed to see Gopperth leave", but that he could “understand his reasoning”.
“At this stage in his career, he wants to be playing consistently and regularly and the opportunity to go to a club like Wasps was too good an opportunity for him to turn down”
“The experience he brought to the set-up from years playing with the Hurricanes and Blues in Super Rugby and then with the Falcons, cannot be underestimated”.
Gopperth says "I have had a great time at Leinster Rugby and it has been a brilliant experience and I haven't taken the decision lightly.
“This season is very much still on the line and we are in contention for two trophies and I am looking forward to fighting on both fronts over the coming months”
"This was a very tough decision but at this stage in my career I think it is the right decision and the opportunity to play for a club like Wasps was the right one to take.
