SYDNEY Feb 26 (Reuters) – Danny Cipriani is hoping his
performances with the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby this
season will earn him a return to the international stage, the
former England flyhalf said on Sunday.
Cipriani was exiled from the England team under former
manager Martin Johnson after winning seven caps for his country
in 2008 and he moved to Melbourne aiming for a fresh start last
season.
The 24-year-old’s fondness for nightlife, which many
considered to be a contributary factor to his continued absence
from the international stage, also got him into trouble in
Australia, however.
Having been fined for a nightclub incident and excluded by
the Rebels for a month for breaches of curfews last year,
Cipriani said he was going to be guided by the team ethic on and
off the field this season.
“I’ve got extra motivation this year to make sure I get in
the England side and to really improve on my performances from
last year,” he told reporters in Melbourne.
“I’m not going to change too much. Mistakes happen and stuff
gets glamorised in the press.
“As journalists, it’s their job. I don’t hold any grudges
because it’s their job. But when you know the truth of the
situation and the club and your friends do, then it’s not so
bad.
“This year, we’ve got a very tight group. There’s a lot of
things we’re going to do and we’re going to do them together.
“When we go off-field, we’re going to make sure it’s all as
a team.”
Continued…
