Cipriani targets England recall
Danny Cipriani hopes a good season with Sale on his return to the Aviva Premiership will earn him a spot in the English Test side.
The 24-year-old fly-half has played the past two seasons with the Melbourne Rebels in the Super Rugby competition, which made him ineligible for England’s national team.
Now he is back, Cipriani has put his focus on his club form and a return to the international arena.
He said: “I learned a lot in Australia and I am ambitious to play for England again. I am excited to be playing in the Premiership again and I have a role and responsibility at Sale.
“The better the club do in the league and in the Heineken Cup, the more players here will be recognised. It is not about me.”
Cipriani has not played for England since 2008 due to a combination of injuries and personality clashes with former boss Martin Johnson.
Johnson has since moved on to be replaced by Stuart Lancaster but Cipriani has denied he has only returned to England because Johnson is gone.
“I had always intended to return here after two years,” Cipriani said. I had the possibility of one more year (with the Rebels), but after weighing things up decided to return.
“Sale are an ambitious club and it is really enjoyable here. I have spoken to Stuart Lancaster and being involved in the 2015 World Cup is a long-term goal but I have to focus on this season.
“Sale have a real chance of finishing in the top four.”
Sale have not finished in the top four since they won the Premiership in 2006 and Cipriani believes he will bring some new ideas after two seasons playing in Australia.
He added: “I am glad I went to Australia because they do things differently there and I want to impose some of the things I learned there, not just in attack.
“It is about how they understand the game and focus on little details.”
