Cipriani under no pressure

Wasps fly-half will not be rushed back into action

Last updated: 3rd July 2008

Cipriani under no pressure

Cipriani: No rush

It seems like late November/December time. It might be too late for the autumn internationals but they have put no pressure on me to get back too soon which is nice as I can get back as fit as possible.

Danny Cipriani.
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Injured fly-half Danny Cipriani has insisted that he is under no pressure to return for the autumn internationals.

The talented Wasps No.10 has just had the plaster removed after he suffered a serious ankle injury in the Premiership semi-final victory over Bath.

However, with England struggling in New Zealand, new manager Martin Johnson could be forgiven for trying to speed up Cipriani's rehabilitation.

Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are all due to play at Twickenham in November, along with a Pacific Island XV.

But Cipriani will not be rushed back, with Johnson opting to name him in the Saxons squad for the season, as opposed to the 32-man elite team.

And Cipriani is glad to have the plaster off his leg so he can concentrate on getting back to full fitness.

"It is much better now," he told Sky Sports News. "I'm really glad to have it off because six weeks in a cast can get you thinking the worst and get the demons going.

"But I've had some very good people around me - obviously my family and friends - and I feel really positive about it now.

Timings

"The autumn internationals are a possibility; it all depends on the timings I get. I will know more in a week and a half about the extent of when I can get back playing.

"It seems like late November/December time. It might be too late for the autumn internationals but they have put no pressure on me to get back too soon which is nice as I can get back as fit as possible."

Despite missing out on the initial selection for the elite squad, Cipriani is hoping to that he can be one of the few changes Johnson can make in January.

"There was always going to be disappointment not to make the elite squad but at the minute I don't think I could fully merit my selection," he admitted.

"If I am put in the Saxons, there is no pressure on me. I have spoken to Martin Johnson a few times and that is the main thing. Wasps and England have made sure that there is no pressure on me to get back and to make sure I come back 100 per cent.

"I am glad to be part of the Saxons, but hopefully I can make my way into the elite squad come January.

"I spoke to Martin a day after the injury and I have spoken to him three or four times since. He has been very positive and is making sure that everything is okay and moving forward."

Comments (1)

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Paul Osgerby says...

we desperately need all of the talent we can get but it is a team game and it should be the team that is capable of beating the big sides not swung by just one player, however hurry up and rehabilitate Danny, we need you!

Posted 14:41 10th July 2008
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