This is Danny Cipriani's new club and he is set to sign this week - reports
After months of speculation, Danny Cipriani has found his next club and is set to sign this week - according to reports.
The Telegraph are now reporting that Cipriani is set to sign for Gloucester Rugby.
As reported by RugbyPass and a number of other publications this weekend, the star flyhalf had been linked with the West Country club but The Telegraph are now reporting that the deal is going ahead.
Despite their bitter Challenge Cup final loss to Cardiff Blues on Friday night, the side are already guaranteed Champions Cup rugby next year.
With Owen Williams out with injury and set to miss Wales’ summer tour, Gloucester have been largely relying on a mix of Billy Burns and Billy Twelvetrees at pivot.
Cipriani had also recently been linked to both Bath and even a move back to the Sale Sharks. The Daily Mail reported that he had been linked with a move back to his former club after a deal with former Ulster 10 Paddy Jackson apparently fell through.
According to reports Jackson had signed a deal worth more than £340,000 before an apparent inquiry by Sale sponsors' - AJ Bell - saw head coach Steve Diamond reconsider the deal and then publically deny negotiations had ever taken place with the player.
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Cipriani’s selection by England headcoach Eddie Jones guaranteed that the 30-year-old will now stay in the Premiership.
Last week former England international Andy Goode wrote in his RugbyPass column: “I spoke to Danny the other day and he’s basically waiting to see if Eddie Jones picks him before he makes up his mind and finalises where he’s going to be next season.”
Speaking on Thursday, Jones rationalised his apparent u-turn on the mercurial talent: “Life is full of contradictions and three games ago I was the best thing that ever happened to English rugby and now I am the worst thing that ever happened to English rugby. You media guys are allowed to be contradictory and so I’m allowed. He can add value to the squad at this stage.
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“Danny has not had a recall – I have never picked him so I have for the first time. I have watched him very closely and he deserves an opportunity and has done things I have asked him to do in games. He has to prove he is the best No10 in the squad or No15. We wouldn’t have picked him if we didn’t think so.”
Lawrence Dallaglio, who captained Cipriani during his first spell at Wasps, told RugbyPass this week: “Danny hasn’t had a chance under Eddie Jones. Maybe up to now, Eddie has formed his opinion on Danny based on what people have been telling him rather than finding out himself. Now Eddie has the chance to work with him one on one and see Danny in a squad environment and that is all you can ask as a player.
“Danny knows there is a culture and a way England players behave on and off the field and I am sure he will buy into that and it is about celebrating difference. At Wasps we were very comfortable with people expressing their personality on the field and that is what Danny does because he is different.
“It is pretty clear that Owen Farrell has been picked as an out and out No12 although he can pay No10 and it will be wonderful to see the Cipriani/Farrell combination working for England. There is also the opportunity to pick Danny at fullback where he collected a Heineken Cup winners medal with Wasps in 2007.
“What Eddie says in public and in private are probably two different things and I am sure he has been in conversation with Danny. He has been picked on merit because he is one of the best players in the Premiership.
“He thoroughly deserves his opportunity and he can do things no other flyhalf even tries. Clearly that is something Eddie Jones has decided to bring into the squad and England are taking a new attacking coach to South Africa because since Jonathan Joseph scored two tries against Scotland a couple of years ago, England haven’t offered a huge amount in attack. They have looked a bit predictable and need to shake things up and the inclusion of Danny is very welcome.”
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The former Sale Sharks and Melbourne Rebels pivot is to be replaced by All Black Lima Sopaga at Wasps next season.
Upon the news breaking that he was leaving Wasps the 30-year-old reflected that: “I will be sad to leave Wasps, but my job is far from finished and I can promise the fans my absolute all until the end of the season as we tackle the mission ahead of us.
“I will now take some time to decide my next move.”
Cipriani made 95 appearances for Wasps in his first stint at the club, before moving to Australia to spend two seasons with the Melbourne Rebels (2011-12), returning to England in 2012 to join Sale Sharks.
He returned to Wasps where brought his total appearances to 143 over the course of the last two seasons.
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The difference between Fassi and Le Roux?
Almost 100 tests. Fassi is growing from test to test and is already world class. It’s going to be difficult for Damian Willemse to usurp Fassi at 15 and may find himself destined as the utility back on the bomb squad.
South Africans love hating on their fullback. A proud tradition since Percy Montgomery (before he won us a World Cup). So I don’t pay much mind to the noise that follows anyone who puts on the 15 jersey for SA.
15 is a high risk, low reward position. You don’t dare drop a high ball, certainly don’t shank a kick into the stands. In fact if you’re not kicking 60m torpedoes into the opposition corners - stay at home.
And miss tackles? After everyone else on the team has let a break through - best you not miss!
Only Andre Joubert strikes me as a fullback that has been better than Willie. Yet Willie has been widely panned on a regular basis. Irritating.
Fassi is great. And I’m sure he’s learning a lot from Willie.
Go to commentsNo, Penney's win rate as a Super Rugby coach BEFORE he was given a 2 year contract here, was 23%. He came in with a very poor success rate at SR level.
This loser vibe was borne out over the SR season where we won only 4 games while losing 10. Finishing 9th in a 12 team competition & missing a QF spot was next level DOWN.
There's zero evidence that suggests we will win 10 games (70%) as you predict. I understand there may be new assistant coaches coming on board. At this stage, we can only hope for the best.
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