Melbourne Rebels fullback Mark Gerrard insists the latest indiscretion by bad-boy teammate Danny Cipriani will have no impact on the team as they search for their first Super Rugby points against the Brumbies on Friday night.
The Rebels are investigating an alleged nightclub incident last weekend involving their high-profile English recruit, which has club officials privately seething.
The 23-year-old allegedly helped himself to a bottle of alcohol at a Prahran nightclub following his team’s 43-0 loss in their debut Super Rugby match against NSW.
Management at the 161 nightclub on Chapel St reportedly asked Cipriani to leave the venue at around 4am on Saturday.
But police were not called.
“We are looking into it and will speak to Danny but we won’t be making any statement about it before the game,” a Rebels spokesperson said.
Cipriani was known for his playboy lifestyle and string of celebrity girlfriends in the UK as much as his playing prowess.
In 2008 he was dumped from England Test squad two days before the match due to inappropriate behaviour when he was seen leaving a nightclub.
He moved to Australia for a fresh start after falling out with the England rugby hierarchy but since his arrival in Melbourne he’s become a regular along the nightclub strip and in the gossip pages.
He has also been linked to singer Tamara Jaber, ex-wife of radio and television personality Kyle Sandilands, as well as former Neighbours star Stephanie McIntosh.
He’s infuriated coaching staff and his teammates by his after-dark antics, as well as turning up late for training, which resulted in a recent discussion with senior players.
Gerrard said the English five-eighth, who has played seven Tests, would again have to front the senior players as well as management if the claims proved correct.
“As Rebels we try to hold ourselves to the highest degree in everything that we do and what happened will be dealt with by the senior playing group as well as staff and officials,” Gerrard said on Thursday.
“But he didn’t believe it would unsettle the side ahead of their round two clash with the Brumbies at AAMI Park.
“I don’t think so, with Danny’s personality he’ll be fine.
“I dont think it’s going to affect anyone and hopefully we’ll play well tomorrow night.”
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