Cipriani still has plenty to prove

Wasps and England star Danny Cipriani is back in the England squad after an injury lay-off which saw him miss England's June tour to New Zealand, and he insists that he still has a lot to prove on the international stage.

Wasps and England star Danny Cipriani is back in the England squad after an injury lay-off which saw him miss England's June tour to New Zealand, and he insists that he still has a lot to prove on the international stage.

Cipriani has already survived the first squad cut which saw his Wasps team-mate, Josh Lewsey, return to his Premiership club on Tuesday.

His return to fitness has seen him being promoted from the England Saxons squad to the England Elite squad as a replacement for Jonny Wilkinson after Cipriani suffered a gruesome ankle injury almost six months ago.

Cipriani has made just one start for England which came against Ireland in the Six Nations but he is determined to establish himself at the top level.

“I know I've only played one full game for England so there is still a lot for me to prove, both at international and club level, but I'm delighted that Martin [Johnson] has shown such confidence in me,” he said.

“I hope I get the opportunity to repay that confidence. Since my injury in May this has always been my target to get back and ready for.”

Cipriani's injury caused him to be left out of Johnson's first elite squad when it was named on July 1, but he made a remarkable recovery, returning to rugby six weeks ahead of schedule and coincidentally just 24 hours after Wilkinson limped off the field for Newcastle with a dislocated kneecap.

“Martin Johnson has been in regular contact with me since my injury as he does with all injured players and has kept me in the loop, which has been very comforting and allowed me a focus and target throughout my recovery,” Cipriani added.

“It was always my goal to get myself back to fitness for Wasps but also to put myself in the frame for England and I am delighted.”