England axe Cipriani

Balshaw recalled for visit to Murrayfield

By Tony Curtis   Last updated: 8th March 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

England axe Cipriani

Cipriani: Dropped

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Danny Cipriani has paid the price for "inappropriate behaviour" after being dropped for England's Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland.

The Wasps back had been set for his first international start after being named at full-back for the match at Murrayfield.

However, the 20-year-old has been axed from the squad over pictures of him leaving a nightclub after midnight.

Closed

England head coach Brian Ashton said: "I have taken the decision regarding Danny and the matter is now closed.

"I will keep an open mind on selecting him for future games."

Cipriani's place in the starting XV is taken by Iain Balshaw - the man he originally replaced in the side - while Charlie Hodgson comes in on the bench.

The RFU have confirmed no further action will be taken against Cipriani.

Wasps, though, have given Cipriani their backing - and will take full advantage of his unexpected availability by naming him in their squad.

Director of rugby Ian McGeechan said: "We are hugely disappointed with the decision to withdraw Danny from the England team, and similarly disappointed for Danny himself.

"Danny was pictured outside a nightclub last night, where he had gone in to see a friend. He did not stay inside the nightclub for any length of time and he was not drinking.

"He was at worst naive in his actions, but no more than that. Given the circumstances, a measured response to his actions was required and I think this is a very harsh decision.

"Danny will return to club training tomorrow, and as we are currently selecting the Wasps team to face Harlequins in the Guinness Premiership on Sunday, we will be considering Danny in our selection for that game."