DANNY CIPRIANI HAS agreed to join Aviva Premiership club Sale Sharks from Super Rugby franchise the Melbourne Rebels.
Cipriani, 24, has signed a three-year contract to return to English rugby next season, which was confirmed by Sale on their website.
The former Wasps No 10, who won seven caps for England in 2008, is in the second season of a two-year contract with the Rebels.
Cipriani’s first season in Melbourne was punctuated by controversies, which led to him being suspended for a prolonged period, after breaking a team curfew in Sydney.
However, Sale have effectively harnessed the talents of Welsh No 8 Andy Powell – another player who has been involved in his fair share of off-field incidents – so they will be confident of tapping into Cipriani’s undoubted match-winning potential.
Capped seven times by England, Cipriani made his debut against Ireland in 2008, replacing Jonny Wilkinson.
In his Melbourne debut against the Brumbies he scored 17 points and helped the Rebels to victory.
“Quality signings such as Danny Cipriani are a massive statement of intent from the Sharks, as we aim to become a Super Northern Club,” Sharks CEO Steve Diamond said.
“Danny has been targeted by many European clubs, but has chosen to be based in Manchester, as he feels that the Sharks give him the best opportunity to fulfil his aspirations to be the best fly-half in England by the time of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.”
Standing in his way of that goal are Leicester Tigers’ stand off, Toby Flood, and particularly Owen Farrell.
Farrell is still just 20 years of age and has impressed greatly in each of his five caps since being handed a début by Stuart Lancaster against Scotland in February.
