News

Cipriani told to keep his chin up

July 15 2009

England boss Martin Johnson has insisted Danny Cipriani remains in international contention despite the Wasps fly-half having been dropped to the Saxons.

Cipriani had started the 2008 autumn internationals as England's first-choice number ten, only to finish the season on the bench for the Saxons after struggling for form and consistency.

The 21-year-old's hopes were not helped by having a metal plate inserted into his right ankle at the end of the 2007/08 season.

However that plate has now been removed and Johnson has called on Cipriani to show his character by forcing his way back into the reckoning.

"Danny is just one of a number of young players who've had a taste of it, won a couple of caps and are now battling to get back into a competitive squad," said Johnson.

"He's a talented young player. He's got areas of real strength and areas that he needs to improve, which is the same for most young players. He just has to work on those areas of weakness.

"That is what being a rugby player is about. If it was all easy all the time everyone could do it.

"We want guys who are desperate to play for England. These guys say they are and I am sure they are - they have to show us with their form."

Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood currently hold the fly-half berths in the elite player squad, while Andy Goode finished the season in the jersey. Sam Vesty and Stephen Myler are also in the mix for a place in the squad.