Newcastle Falcons fly-half Jimmy Gopperth believes the appointment of head coach Alan Tait represents a new opportunity for players at the club.

Tait will lead the Falcons as coach next season following Steve Bates' departure, and Gopperth has high hopes for the campaign ahead.

Gopperth told BBC Look North: "We're looking forward to a new challenge.

"It's a new beginning and we want to kick forward and get into the top half where this club belongs."

Although the Falcons as a team were battling the drop from the Premiership for much of the campaign, the Junior All-Black has enjoyed a successful season at Kingston Park, notably with his place kicking.

On the back of the season I'm pretty happy with my form. It's good to have experienced Premiership rugby Jimmy Gopperth

The former Blues and North Harbour half-back arrived on Tyneside with a glowing reputation from Super 14 rugby in the southern hemisphere, and rewarded his new club by racking up 293 points in all competitions, including 219 in the domestic league to win the Premiership Golden Boot.

"On the back of the season I'm pretty happy with my form. It's good to have experienced Premiership rugby and how intense it is," Gopperth said.

"To get top points scorer is something I'm proud of achieving.

"It's been a tough season for the club, so it's good to see guys like Jonny Golding get in the England squad on the back of our team performances.

"I didn't have too many expectations and I tried to take everything in I could. It was a good experience all round and I'm really looking forward to next year."

Gopperth made 29 appearances for the Falcons in his debut season, scoring three tries, 25 conversions, 75 penalties and a drop goal.

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