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Cipriani in England colours in 2008. EMPICS Sport
Comeback

Danny Cipriani back in the England fold ahead of New Zealand tour

The 26-year-old out-half is in with a chance of involvement in the three-Test series against the All Blacks.

SALE OUT-HALF Danny Cipriani has been included in England’s training squad ahead of the tour to New Zealand next month.

The 26-year-old’s last appearance for his country came in November of 2008, when England were beaten 32-6 by the All Blacks. Earlier that same year, a superb performance from Cipriani helped the English to a 33-10 win over Ireland in the Six Nations.

The playmaker’s career has been hit and miss since then, with inconsistent form for Wasps eventually leading to a move to Super Rugby, where Cipriani ultimately failed to convince during two seasons with the Melbourne Rebels.

Off-the-field distractions seemed to stunt Cipriani’s growth as a player in his early years, but a return to England with the Sale Sharks in 2012 has led to the player finally settling into a steady spell of strong form.

Impressive displays in the Aviva Premiership this season have led to his recall to Stuart Lancaster’s 20-man training squad, which does not include players from Bath, Harlequins, Leicester, Wasps, Northampton and Saracens – whose campaigns are not yet finished.

Lancaster will finalise his squad to travel to New Zealand for a three-Test series on the 26th of May, when he will also name a selection to face the Barbarians in a clash at Twickenham on Sunday, the 1st of June.

The first group of players Lancaster selects to tour New Zealand will fly out on the 27th of May, with a second group joining them on the 4th of June, following the Barbarians match and the Premiership final.

England training squad:

Kieran Brookes (Newcastle), Freddie Burns (Gloucester), Danny Cipriani (Sale), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), Dave Ewers (Exeter), Sam Hill (Exeter), Tom Johnson (Exeter), Matt Kvesic (Gloucester), Jonny May (Gloucester), Ben Morgan (Gloucester), Michael Paterson (Sale), Chris Pennell (Worcester), Dan Robson (Gloucester), Charlie Sharples (Gloucester), Henry Slade (Exeter), Tommy Taylor (Sale), Henry Thomas (Sale), Henry Trinder (Gloucester), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester), Marland Yarde (London Irish).

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