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Cipriani statement: 'My last games in England are fast arriving'
By Liam Heagney
Danny Cipriani has confirmed he will finish up at Bath at the end of the current season and embark on a different rugby experience outside England. The 34-year-old was signed by the Gallagher Premiership club in March 2021, three months after he parted company with Gloucester.
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His existing deal at The Rec is set to expire at the end of June and despite rumours that he might stay for another year and perhaps take on the added responsibility as a rookie kicking coach, an idea that Stuart Hooper didn’t dismiss when asked this week, the ex-England international has now taken to social media to confirm his stay at Bath is nearing the end.
Cipriani has made 14 appearances so far this season, just eight as a starter. But ahead of this Saturday’s trip to West Country rivals Gloucester, a game that the out-half will start against his old club, he admitted on Instagram that he will soon be leaving England for a fresh taste of life elsewhere.
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“My last couple games in England are fast arriving!!! I’ve decided to move on to experience a new country and make great memories with my Family… Timing is key, play too early and the defence can read it.
“Play too late and you’ll never get the pass away. You’ve got to feel it then react accordingly! Over the years I’ve accrued some amazing loyal supporters. I’m grateful. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you…”
There was no indication from Cipriani where he is heading but being involved in rugby abroad won’t be new to him as he spent two Super Rugby season with the Melbourne Rebels a decade ago. It was Thursday morning, when asked by RugbyPass, that Bath director of rugby Hooper had reflected on the half-back’s year at the club.
“He definitely would have wanted to play more rugby. Injury and illness have prevented that from happening but with regard to what he has managed to show and deliver for Orlando (Bailey) and these other young players at our club, it has been outstanding. As much as he would have liked to have played more and we would have liked to have won more, that side of it I can’t argue with it at all. It has been fantastic.”
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Hooper intimated at the time that no decision has yet been taken regarding the future of Cipriani at Bath, but it emerged a few hours later that they had signed Piers Francis, the out-half/midfielder, from Northampton for next season.
“It’s all in the mix (player/coach), it’s all in the melting pot as it ever is with players who are coming towards the latter end of their career and making sure that the path is right for them and for the club,” said Hooper about the Bath discussions with Cipriani. “He is somebody we are talking to at the moment and we will make those decisions in the next couple of weeks when we don’t have games and can talk about it when we can. ”
