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Melbourne - The Melbourne Rebels said on Friday they expect former England flyhalf Danny Cipriani to honor his two-year deal with the Vodacom Super Rugby club despite some disciplinary issues and reports that he is being sought by English side Bath.
Cipriani, touted as one of the team's marquee signings in its first year, was left behind in Melbourne for two weeks while the Rebels make a South African trip. He did not play in the team's last match in Australia against the Reds after ignoring a team directive by staying out late after a loss the previous week.
He was also fined by the Rebels in February after admitting to taking a bottle of vodka at a Melbourne nightclub.
"He hasn't asked to get out of his contract," Rebels chief executive Ross Oakley told Australian Associated Press from South Africa ahead of Melbourne's match with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday. "I've spoken to his manager who told me there's no truth in the fact that he's wanting to go to Bath."
The English side was reported to be interested in the 23-year-old Cipriani to replace South African Butch James.
The Rebels didn't name Cipriani to the 26-man squad making the trip to play the Bulls in Pretoria and the Cheetahs.The Bulls beat the Rebels 47-10 last weekend.
"Following meetings on Thursday between the Rebels players, coaches and management, it has been decided that Danny Cipriani will not travel to South Africa," the Rebels said in a statement before the team left. "Danny will train with the other non-touring players over the next two weeks and will continue his community engagement with local clubs and schools during this time."
Team-mate Richard Kingi, who also did not play against the Reds due to the late-night incident in Sydney, was recalled for the South Africa trip.
Oakley said on Friday that Cipriani appears committed to the Rebels.
"He's training here and has been working very hard while the boys have been away, so we'll see how it progresses as time rolls by," Oakley said. "He's keeping his head down and working hard.
"He's doing all the things he's been asked to do as well as his training, so it will be how the team and team management see that once they get back."
He said it would be up to coach Rod Macqueen and senior players whether Cipriani would be available for selection for their next match following South Africa and a bye - against the Stormers on June 3.
Out of finals contention, the Rebels are hoping to end a five-match losing streak against the Cheetahs, who have won three straight.
