Jimmy Gopperth has had a bit of an interesting career path recently.

Signed by Newcastle Falcons in 2009 to replace Jonny Wilkinson, the New Zealander has had to step in for another top fly-half by the name of Jonny.

The 30-year-old joined Leinster in the summer after the departure of Ireland No 10 Jonny Sexton for Racing Metro.

Gopperth has made a good start to his provincial career with Leinster, keeping the exciting Ian Madigan out of the team this season.

Tonight he sat down for a chat with Off The Ball's Joe Molloy.

"Everybody who has played in Ireland has always said it's outstanding and they have thoroughly enjoyed it," said the former Hurricanes player.

"I'm seeing that already and I've only been here for a few months. I've fully enjoyed it."

A move was a on the cards as soon as Jonny Sexton's departure was announced. 

"When Jonny Sexton announced he was leaving, Joe Schmidt rang me up and asked me what my availability was. I told him I had options to look at other things and then it snowballed from there."

Gopperth had a dream beginnings to his Leinster career, scoring 22 points against Scarlets and feels at home in his new team's style of play and the city of Dublin.

"I think Leinster has driven that innovative style of rugby for a number of years and you would have seen the way that Leinster have scored a number of tries off first phase. That doesn't come with just the skill factor. It comes with a lot of learning and guys trying to come up with new moves and think outside the square. That's exciting and that's what players want to do."

Since establishing himself at Leinster, he and Ian Madigan have become direct opponents for the same position. But Gopperth believes there is no tension and the competition is a positive.

Jimmy Gopperth and Ian Madigan ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

"It's not weird at all between us. Ian and I get on very well," said Gopperth. "It's just the nature of sport. My first ever year in the Hurricanes, I was just supposed to be the backup. Unfortunately Riki Flutey got injured and I took my opportunity and never looked back. That's how it works. The thing with Ian and I is that we're great competitors and like helping each other on our game. And as I said, we get along well. At the end of the day, we're just going to push each other in training."  

Gopperth also revealed a little of the surfer dude inside, one of the reasons why he wants to visit the west coast of Ireland as often as possible.

"I suppose being from New Zealand and living by the sea, surfing is in the blood. The west coast of Ireland is one of the best in Europe. You get some great swells so whenever I get the time off and a pass from my wife, I'll jump over and get amongst it."

Listen to the full interview via the podcast.

Main Image ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy