Bruising comeback awaits Cipriani

Returning London Wasps fly-half Danny Cipriani has been warned not to expect an easy ride when he starts his comeback from injury against Guinness Premiership opponents Bath on Wednesday.

Returning London Wasps fly-half Danny Cipriani has been warned not to expect an easy ride when he starts his comeback from injury against Guinness Premiership opponents Bath on Wednesday.

The England pivot will be back in Wasps' number ten shirt – six weeks ahead of schedule.

Bath are the Adams Park visitors, as they were more than four months ago when Cipriani suffered a fracture dislocation of his right ankle during Wasps' 21-10 play-off victory.

The injury sidelined him for England's mid-year tour to New Zealand, amid initial fears he might struggle to play again in 2008.

But there will be no rolling out of the red carpet from a Bath side who will go top if they beat Wasps and unbeaten Sale Sharks lose to Madejski Stadium hosts London Irish.

“We will put as much heat on him (Cipriani) as we can,” said Bath Head Coach Steve Meehan.

“The Wasps game is a one-off, and we need to throw the kitchen sink at them.”

Cipriani's return comes less than a fortnight before Wasps launch their Heineken Cup campaign.

“Danny has made a fantastic recovery,” said Wasps Director of Rugby, Ian McGeechan.

“His attitude has been superb, and the work of the support staff at the club in ensuring this has been very impressive.

“We are delighted to see him back out on the pitch, and we hope that he is able to enjoy his return to action in front of a home crowd.”