Share

Cipriani cut from England squad after nightclub assault

London - Eddie Jones says his decision to axe Danny Cipriani from England's training squad wasn't influenced by the flyhalf's off-field problems.

Cipriani was convicted of common assault and resisting arrest on a pre-season tour with Premiership club Gloucester.

The 30-year-old was fined a total of £4 000 following the incident outside a nightclub during Gloucester's pre-season tour to Jersey in August.

He avoided a ban despite being found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the game after England rugby chiefs decided not to impose any further sanctions over the incident.

Despite being England's starting flyhalf in their most recent game against South Africa in June and producing an excellent opening to the season at his new club, Jones has left him out of the 36-man squad.

But England boss Jones insists it is form and not Cipriani's indiscretion that has shaped his thinking, with Owen Farrell and George Ford the two flyhalves called up.

"That's the case, 100 percent. We've decided just to have two stand-offs in the squad for this particular camp because we want them to get a lot of training time," Jones said.

"At the moment we've got Owen and George, who I believe are the first two flyhalves, and then comes Danny.

"Danny's probably third or fourth choice and he knows what he's got to work on, which is between Danny and I.

"He's disappointed but he understands. He's desperate to play for England, which is terrific."

Manu Tuilagi makes his first appearance in an England squad in more than a year after overcoming a dreadful succession of injuries.

Serious groin and knee problems have prevented the destructive three-quarter from making an international start since 2014, his last appearance coming as a replacement against Wales two years ago.

The 27-year-old has started all three of Leicester's games this season and capped a fine performance against Newcastle with a try.

"It's the first time in the three years I've been in England that Manu's been fit," Jones said.

"He's put together a series of games and we're looking forward to him continuing on that run. He's got the opportunity to come in and show us what he's got."

Chris Ashton was included despite being midway through a seven-week ban for a tip tackle made during Sale's pre-season victory at Castres.

Ashton has yet to make a competitive appearance for the Sharks following his move from Toulon, but Jones will take a look at the rugby league convert before naming his squad for the forthcoming internationals.

"It's a judgement. Selection is a judgement, and my judgement is that Ashton's going to be important for us in November," Jones said.

England's squad for the internationals will be announced on October 18 before a training camp in Portugal.

The four-Test series features matches against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia.

England training squad:

Forwards (20)

Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby), Michael Rhodes (Saracens), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Nick Schonert (Worcester Warriors), Brad Shields (Wasps), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs), Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)

Backs (16)

Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Nathan Earle (Harlequins), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Leicester Tigers), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Dan Robson (Wasps), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE