Danny Cipriani is going back to England – Rugby News Update
Danny Cipriani, the English fullback and fly-half is set to return to the Sale Sharks in the Premiership ahead of the 2012-2013 season, with his current team the Melbourne Rebels terminating his contract on a mutual agreement, paving his way to return home
immediately.
After being released by the team, the 24-year-old was quick to praise the fans, the team and everyone who has been involved in his time at Melbourne. He said, "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in Melbourne at the Rebels. I've made some lifelong friends, played
in front of an incredible set of fans in an amazing stadium, and improved my game playing in one of the best provincial rugby competitions in the world.”
Cipriani burst on the scene for the London Wasps in the 2006-2007 season, and earned plaudits for his displays. In his debut for the Wasps against Worcester, he scored a try, and in the 65 matches that he played for the Wasps, he scored a total of 471 points,
which included 13 tries.
It was thought an international call up was not far behind for the fullback, and with the Rugby World Cup in 2007, it was certain he will be selected but that was not to be. However, he was not going to be denied a year later, when he eventually made his
England debut against Ireland in 2008 at Twickenham in a Six Nations match. In total he has only played 7 matches for England, starting 4 of those matches and coming on as a substitute in 3.
Cipriani was the first England international rugby player to play in the Australian Super Rugby team, and he feels that in his time in Australia he has massively improved his game.
He said, "I feel I have developed my game in my time in Australia and become a more complete player. I wish the Rebels every success in the future and should the opportunity ever arise again I would not hesitate to return."
However, the lure of playing internationally for England has made him go back to his country of birth and he stated that his desire of adding more England caps to his resume was the ultimate reason he has chosen to go to the Sale Sharks.
Tags: