Rugby: Former All Blacks star Lima Sopoaga reveals struggles with form since England move

Lima Sopoaga has struggled to find his best form for Wasps. Photo / Getty Images

Lima Sopoaga has suggested Kiwis underestimate the quality of rugby in the Northern Hemisphere, revealing he's struggled since moving to England.

At the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season, the former Highlanders and All Blacks star left New Zealand for a $3 million contract with Wasps in England's Premiership.

Speaking to the Guardian, the 27-year-old said he felt joining the franchise as a marquee player came with added pressure.

"It's not that I don't love this but there are things that do get you down," he said.

"It's not all glitz and glamour. A lot of the time, people just see the 80 minutes, they don't see what goes on behind closed doors and how winning and losing can affect players."

Sopoaga was recruited by Wasps to replace English star first five-eighth Danny Cipriani, who left for Gloucester.

The former All Black admits he's yet to find his best form.

"In New Zealand, I don't think we watch enough Northern Hemisphere rugby to truly appreciate it. It's out of sight, out of mind. Because we don't see it, we're like, 'Meh, whatever.'

"Now, being amongst it, you've got some very skilled players and some pretty wicked talent. England have a very decent pack, some electric outside backs and a world-class 10. If you can get a fully-fit England team playing with the mindset they did against the All Blacks last month, they're going to give themselves half a chance."