ENGLAND HEAD COACH Stuart Lancaster insists he has taken ‘no position’ over whether to sanction Danny Cipriani with an omission from the Rugby World Cup squad.
The Sale Sharks out-half was arrested on suspicion of drink driving this month and the investigation is set to last until August.
Lancaster, who has already cut Dylan Hartley and Manu Tuilagi out of contention for disciplinary issues, today said he will wait on the legal proceedings to run their course.
“(I am) waiting to see what the police investigation will determine. I’ve got no position at all at the moment.
“He’s not been charged with anything so as a consequence is in camp and training as everyone else is. I’ll deal with it as and when it’s appropriate.”
The World Cup hosts will be without David Strettle as the winger has withdrawn following his move from Saracens to Clermont Auvergne. The 31-year-old joins a growing band of players based outside of England and discounted from selection and is replaced in the training squad by Bath’s Samesa Rokoduguni.
Elsewhere in France, Corkman Dave Ryan has agreed a move to Pro Div2 champions Agen. The tighthead spent last season with Ulster after three years in Italy and has put pen to paper on a two-year deal for the south-western club as they move in to the Top14.
