Farm-in update

Rockhopper Exploration plc
04 November 2005



PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: 4 November 2005

Rockhopper Exploration plc

                  Farm In to Desire Petroleum acreage - update

On 14th February 2005, Rockhopper Exploration (Rockhopper or the Company)
announced the Company had agreed terms with Desire Petroleum plc (Desire) for a
farm in to a 7.5% interest in Falklands' Licences PL003 and PL004 in
anticipation of gaining exposure to early exploration drilling in the Falklands.
The farm-in agreement allowed Rockhopper to elect to increase the percentage to
15% by 31 October 2005.

Although the Rockhopper view of the prospectivity of the Desire acreage has not
changed, the Directors have decided to maintain the Company's farm in exposure
to the Desire Petroleum operated licences PL003 and PL004 at its current level
of 7.5%.

Over the past few months both the cost and availability of suitable drilling
units have deteriorated significantly and the drilling timetable is likely to be
delayed as a result.

The Directors feel that, given that the primary purpose of the farm-in was
exposure to early drilling, the interest of the shareholders is best served by
remaining at 7.5% and applying financial resources to maturing a number of high
quality prospects for drilling within the Company's own extensive 100%
exploration acreage in the North Falkland Basin. The Company is targeting these
100% prospects to be ready for drilling during 2007, when the availability and
cost of drilling units are expected to be more favourable.

The recently announced 2D programme which Geophysical Service Incorporated (GSI)
will shoot early in 2006 is the first step in this process. A significant 3D
programme has also been designed and an invitation to tender document issued.

ENDS

Contact:

Rockhopper Exploration plc
Sam Moody - Managing Director                                   01722 414 419

Aquila Financial Ltd [e-mail]
Peter Reilly                                                    020 7849 3319
Yvonne Fraser                                                   020 7849 3326

www.rockhopperexploration.co.uk

Notes to editors:
The Rockhopper Group started trading in February 2004 to invest in and carry out
an offshore oil exploration programme to the north of the Falkland Islands. The
Group, which floated on AIM in August 2005, is currently the largest licence
holder in the North Falkland Basin and owns a 100 per cent. interest in four
offshore production licences which cover approximately 5,800 sq. km. These
licences have been granted by the Falkland Islands government.

In total, the Board and its Consultant, the Falklands expert David Bodecott,
have over 120 years experience in the oil industry, with specific expertise in
the field of exploration and in the region itself.




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