England fly half Danny Cipriani joins Sale Sharks on three-year deal

By Dean Wilkins

Danny Cipriani is joining Sale Sharks on a three year deal next season.

The 24-year-old fly half left London Wasps in 2010 to play for Melbourne Rebels, however he is returning to the Premiership.

Capped seven times by England, Cipriani is rated as one of the best Fly Halves in World Rugby and will join Sharks’ signing Richie Gray for the next campaign.

Sharks CEO Steve Diamond said: "Quality signings such as Danny Cipriani and Richie Gray are a massive statement of intent from the Sharks, as we aim to become a Super Northern Club.

“Danny has been targeted by many European clubs but has chosen to be based in Manchester as he feels that the Sharks give him the best opportunity to fulfil his aspirations to be the number one fly-half in England by the time of the 2015 Rugby World Cup."

Cipriani made his debut with Wasps against Bristol in the 2004 Powergen Cup, aged 17. His first Premiership start was against Worcester in January 2007 when he was man of the match.

In 2008 was voted PRA Young player of the year and the Guinness Premiership Discovery of the Season.

Cipriani captained England at U16 level and was part of the England Saxons side that won the Churchill Cup at Twickenham in 2007.

He made his full England debut in a 33-10 victory over Ireland in March 2008, replacing Jonny Wilkinson.