Danny Cipriani’s new-found maturity mixed with his undeniable wizardry could be just the tonic for England rugby after the Sale Sharks fly-half was called up for the Six Nations.
Cipriani, 27, has been a picture of concentration and consistency at Sale this season and although the Manchester-based side have struggled to make an impression in Europe, they are well set for a final push in the Aviva Premiership to secure a top-six slot and more continental action next term.
The number 10’s form has caught the eye of England coach Stuart Lancaster, who has travelled to watch Sale a number of times in recent weeks, resulting in Cipriani’s latest opportunity to impress internationally for which he praised his club.
“I would like to thank everyone at Sale Sharks for helping me make this happen,” he said in a statement.
“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join up with the squad next week and look forward to training with them and developing my game.
“It’s a great chance for me to prove myself and hopefully get a chance to represent my country again.”
Cipriani was recalled to the England fray last summer for the first time since 2008 and ever since has seemingly made it his mission to be a fixture in the national setup.
There were scratched heads when he failed to make England’s Autumn internationals squad last year, Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond leading the calls for his inclusion.
An unfazed Cipriani ploughed on however and set about putting in match-winning performance after match-winning performance for Sale in a key mid-season spell.
Those winter hard yards would appear to have paid dividends. All Cipriani must do next is seize the moment if he comes on the pitch for England in the Six Nations – which kicks off next month – in place of likely starter George Ford or Owen Farrell.
“Since then (Autumn) Danny’s improved his game, he’s worked hard and we want to create the opportunity for him and Steve (Myler, Northampton fly-half) to come in to the squad together,” said Lancaster.
“It’s a good chance for Danny to come in and put a marker down.”
Main image courtesy of BT Sport via YouTube, with thanks.
