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Cipriani on five-man shortlist for RPA award
By Online Editors
Danny Cipriani is among nominations for the Rugby Players' Association players' player of the year.
The Gloucester fly-half has been out of favour with England this season, but he has delivered a number of outstanding performances to drive his club's Gallagher Premiership play-off push.
The RPA announced a short-list of five, with Cipriani being joined by Exeter and England centre Henry Slade, Slade's fellow Exeter back Santiago Cordero, Sale Sharks scrum-half Faf de Klerk and Northampton number nine Cobus Reinach.
"This is a big honour to be recognised in this way," Cipriani said on the RPA website.
"I have enjoyed my first season with Gloucester and I am excited and motivated by what lies ahead. Thank you to my fellow players for the continued support."
The young player short-list has also been revealed, which features England internationals Joe Cokanasiga and Tom Curry, Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley, Harlequins number eight Alex Dombrandt and Northampton centre Rory Hutchinson.
The winners will be announced at the RPA's awards night on May 8.
Press Association
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Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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