England rugby manager Martin Johnson has warned Danny Cipriani that he will not be considered for his national team if he goes through with a proposed move to new Super 15 franchise the Melbourne Rebels.
Cipriani has been approached by the Rebels about joining them once his current contract with Wasps ends in May.
A move to Australia would rule the flyhalf out of the 2011 Six Nations and therefore almost certainly out of Johnson’s plans for the World Cup in New Zealand later in the year.
Asked on Friday whether it was possible Cipriani could remain part of the elite squad when based in Melbourne, Johnson responded: “No of course it’s not.
“The seasons are the same. They are playing through February and March so he wouldn’t be available for England during the Six Nations.
“It is his choice. If he wants to do that, it is up to him. It is impossible for him to play for England in the Six Nations if he is over there. I am sure he understands that.”
Cipriani, 22, appears to be seriously considering moving Down Under having grown disillusioned about his chances of establishing himself as an England regular under Johnson, who admitted he had made no effort to persuade him to stay.
Once considered the heir apparent to Jonny Wilkinson, Cipriani’s international career stalled in the wake of a serious ankle injury in 2008 and he is currently part of the second-string Saxons squad, for whom he is due to play against Italy A on Sunday.
AndyS
Guest
Interesting - so what does that say to anyone thinking that Aus or NZ should drop their restrictions on selecting overseas based players...
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
If Cipriani isn't going to get a gig for England leading into 2011, why not take a couple of years in Melbounre, get some exposure to SH rugby, and he'll still be in his mid 20s when his contract ends and he can head back to England. Probably after injury 345 has finally ended Wliko's blighted career? He might even get a call up from NZ from across the ditch when England runs out of 5/8s ....
Frank O'Keeffe
Guest
Carling wrote a nice pice on why Cipriani should be the first choice 5/8 for England this six nations. He made the proper points that Wilkinson is standing wayyyyyy toooooooo deeeeeeep to attract any defence, and England won't score many tries when him like that. His kicking from hand hasn't been great either. I don't think his tackling ability will ever wane though...
Daniel J
Guest
Agreed, i like the sound of this.... looks like the north is about to get a dose of it's own medicine and i like it.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Sounds like another good buy for the Melbourne Rebels if he comes. Will get faster and harder playing S14 than he would in England. There's a good possibility he could end up liking living in Australia and stays and providing the polies (who seem to prefer boat people over others) agree, it could be good for the national rugby as well.