|
Nightclub visit docks Cipriani
06/03/2008 17:00 - (SA)
London - Danny Cipriani has been axed from the England line-up that will face Scotland in the Six Nations this weekend after being photographed coming out of a nightclub in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The bombshell announcement came just 48 hours before Cipriani, 20, was due to make his first start for his country, at fullback against the Scots at Murrayfield on Saturday.
He has been replaced in the starting XV by Iain Balshaw with Charlie Hodgson coming on to the bench.
An RFU statement said: "Further to inappropriate behaviour last night by England and London Wasps back Danny Cipriani, England Head Coach Brian Ashton has decided to replace him in the starting XV for Saturday's Six Nations fixture against Scotland with Gloucester Rugby's Iain Balshaw. Charlie Hodgson of Sale Sharks has been added to the bench.
"Danny Cipriani will not travel with England to Scotland. No further disciplinary action will be taken against Danny but he has been warned and advised about his future conduct."
Ashton said: "I've taken the decision regarding Danny and the matter is now closed. I will keep an open mind on selecting him for future games."
Has been grounded before take-off
Cipriani is regarded as the most exciting prospect in English rugby and as a natural successor to star flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson.
There had even be suggestions last month that Ashton might hand the youngster the number ten shirt and move Wilkinson to inside centre. Ashton resisted those calls but finally succumbed to the pressure for Cipriani to be involved by drafting him in at fullback ahead of the experienced Balshaw.
Cipriani could be recalled for England's final Six Nations clash, against Ireland next week.
But it seems more likely that he will have to wait until the two-Test tour of New Zealand in June to resume an international career that has been grounded before take-off.
Cipriani, who helped his club Wasps win last year's European Cup, made his England debut as a substitute in the defeat by Wales last month, and then made another appearance off the bench during a 23-19 victory over Italy in Rome.
|
Rugby
