Once England’s golden boy, now an England outcast – just where did it all go wrong for Danny Cipriani?
Having been left out of Martin Johnson’s elite player squad for the Six Nations, the 21-year-old is now considering a lucrative move to new Super 15 team Melbourne Rebels – a move which would effectively bring a halt to his international career.
Cipriani’s contract with current club, London Wasps, ends in May and it’s been revealed that the fly-half held talks with the Rebels last week, despite the fact the Guinness Premiership outfit are very keen to keep hold of their prized asset and talisman.
The England international is said to be very interested on a move to Australia after effectively reaching a dead-end following this latest international snub.
However, with 2011 being a World Cup year, it would take a huge decision from the youngster to leave England for the Southern Hemisphere.
Say, for example, that Johnson was dismissed after a poor showing in the forthcoming Six Nations, then Cipriani may be able to force his way back into the international setup given his undoubted quality, but only if he was still plying his trade in Britain – or, at a push, the Top 14 in France like Jonny Wilkinson. It’s also believed that several offers have been received from clubs in France – proving that is he still highly regarded and sought-after.
The primary reason why Cipriani has been cast into the international wilderness is sketchy, but guessable. Although he was handed a place in the second-string Saxons side, this rejection would have hurt his pride – after all, Cipriani was the man widely considered to eventually take over from Wilkinson at fly-half.
A combination of injuries and controversy have prevented the 21-year-old from truly making his mark on the international scene – since making his England debut in 2008, the Wasps No. 10 has made just seven appearances.
Cipriani has had several well-reported bust-ups with various teammates and even one of Johnson’s assistants during a pre-tournament camp in Portugal in January 2009 - perhaps this is the real reason why Johnno is determined to keep Cipriani at arm’s length.
A destructive influence is the last thing that the England head coach needs ahead of a make-or-break Six Nations campaign, and the idea of taking a gamble on the Wasps back clearly doesn’t appeal to him.
In doing this, Johnson is depriving himself of arguably the most creative player at his disposal, and after a lacklustre showing in last year’s autumn internationals, perhaps Cipriani is precisely what England are crying out for.
However, there are also doubts over whether or not the former golden boy of English rugby can replicate his club form for his country.
With all these factors, it’s understandable to see why Johnson has opted not to select Cipriani. But he is still maturing – not only as a player, but also as a man – and if he seals a move to Australia and then begins to shine, he could well be regarded as the one of that got away in years to come.
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