Sale Sharks and England’s Danny Cipriani has lauded his club’s tight squad and welcoming environment after signing a two-year deal to stay with the Manchester side.
Cipriani has been in stellar form all season which earned the fly-half an England recall – the 27-year-old duly scoring a try within moments of coming on in his first Six Nations appearance in seven years – and he has also helped Sale to a healthy Premiership position.
The Sharks sit sixth with eight fixtures remaining as they seek another top-six finish to secure European action next season and it is the club’s mentality towards promoting talent that also tempted Cipriani to stay.
“One of the main reasons I signed the new deal was that we’ve got a tight squad and it embraces new talent,” Cipriani said in a statement.
“It’s also an environment that makes you feel very welcome so, as I say, I’m really thrilled about signing the new deal and looking forward to the future.
“We’ve got some great young talent at the club with players like Mike Haley, Will Addison, Tommy Taylor, Ross Harrison and Josh Beaumont all having really come to the fore over the past year or so.”
French giants Toulon were threatening to take Cipriani away from these shores, though with England coach Stuart Lancaster stating he won’t pick foreign-based players the former Wasps and Melbourne Rebels man has decided to stay put.
Cipriani, who made his name at Wasps, arrived from Melbourne three years ago and he has been a changed man in recent times.
Cipriani will be back in domestic action for Sale on Saturday in the massive league clash with Saracens at the AJ Bell Stadium, leaving director of rugby Steve Diamond a very happy man.
“The fact that Danny has signed his new deal and committed to Sale is a major statement for everybody,” said the Sale boss.
“Danny is a top quality player and he’s been a very big part in our success over the past year or so.
“He’s also been very happy living here in Manchester and everyone at the club is absolutely delighted that he is staying at the club and will be a big part of our plans going forward.”
Main image courtesy of Sale Sharks via YouTube, with thanks.
