Cipriani: rehabilitation

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Wasps will confirm on Monday morning the extent of the horrific ankle injury suffered by Danny Cipriani in their 21-10 Guinness Premiership semi-final victory over Bath.

The fly-half will miss England's summer tour to New Zealand and also faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after having his right leg trapped beneath him following a tackle by Ollie Barkley.

Cipriani received oxygen treatment on the pitch, before being stretchered off and taken to London's Lister Hospital, where he is undergoing tests.

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan said: "We don't know anything yet about Danny.

"We'll have to see if it's a break, dislocation or both. We think it's the ankle.

"The only priority for Danny now is to be 100 percent fit again. He's a talented player and his fitness should be all we're thinking about.

"We'll make sure that happens. When he comes back and plays he'll be 100 percent. This club does that for its players."

Television cameras opted not to replay the 49th-minute incident which was witnessed by new England manager Martin Johnson in the Adams Park stands.

Cipriani was set to start in the number 10 jersey against the All Blacks in June after starring in England's RBS Six Nations finale against Ireland.

First choice

He had supplanted World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson as England's first choice fly-half but now faces a long spell of rehabilitation as he battles against an injury that could, potentially, threaten his career.

Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio said: "It's very disappointing, no one likes to see any injuries.

"Danny has a huge future so hopefully it's not too serious and he'll back soon.

"But he'll return a better and stronger player because of what's happened today so there's no reason to worry too much about him."

Cipriani was joined in the ambulance by team-mate Tom Voyce after the England winger dislocated his shoulder setting up Wasps' third try.

McGeechan said: "Tom's shoulder is still out. We have it three goes to get it back but couldn't manage it. He's in a lot of pain."

The incidents overshadowed what should have been a memorable day for Dallaglio, whose 18-year career will end when he skippers Wasps against Leicester at Twickenham in two weeks' time.

Of the match itself, which saw Wasps soak up early Bath pressure before touching down three tries to continue their fine late-season run of form, Dallaglio said: "Today was about the team not me and what is pleasing is that Wasps are in the final.

"We've worked hard this season and put in a phenomenal amount of effort. I can't praise everyone at this club highly enough.

"For some reason, we were written off again but when that happens, we are at our best. It was a scrap today but our defence was magnificent."

Having gone ahead thanks to an Alex Crockett try, Bath then lost openside flanker Michael Lipman - the visitors paying the price when Wasps scored two quick tries to take a 14-7 half-time lead.

Stitches

Lipman required required stitches to a lip injury but coach Steve Meehan expects him to be available for Sunday's European Challenge Cup final against Worcester.

He said: "Michael made a tackle and split his lip. He's had about 10 stitches.

"He had difficulty breathing so we couldn't get him back on the pitch.

"He'll be okay for Sunday. He's been in terrific form and is a hard player to replace once he goes off."

Meehan added: "We're disappointed because we didn't play to our best today.

"We had opportunities but the passes weren't up to scratch. We were our own worst enemies at times."