Controversial England playmaker calls it a day in a ‘sobering but freeing moment’

Dylan Coetzee
Danny Cipriani during a game for England.

Danny Cipriani during a game for England.

Former England fly-half Danny Cipriani confirmed his retirement from the game in what he described as a “freeing moment” in his social media post.

Cipriani’s retirement does not come as a great surprise with the 36-year-old last having played rugby in 2022 for Bath in the Premiership.

The star was always a very talented individual but his career was littered with off-field issues throughout, including several fallouts with different coaches since he made his professional debut for Wasps in 2006.

Cipriani would have two stints with Wasps as well as playing in the colours of the Melbourne Rebels, Sale Sharks and Gloucester during his playing career.

Official

“Even though I’ve been semi-retired. This is my official announcement,” Cipriani wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“I haven’t played for a while, but in my mind I left it open.

“Messaging my agent as I sit outside Costa, I realised I don’t want to play again. Sobering but also freeing moment.”

Cipriani managed 16 caps over the course of 10 years on the Test scene with his final game of international rugby coming in 2018. He shared thanks for those who contributed to his career.

“Thank you to all the coaches I’ve had, taken lots away from each one of you,” Cipriani wrote.

“All the staff at every club who are always the greatest mix of personalities, thank you for often being the heartbeat of the club.

“To the supporters who turned up and wore their heart on their sleeves, thank you for showing love throughout my career, special memories from all the fans of each team I played at.

Loved it

“To all my team mates I played with, man I loved it, I know sometimes I could be relentless, we did have some fun out there though.

“Learnt so much throughout my career and when I reflect, I’m grateful for every moment.

“Anyway, from a semi-retired now officially retired ex rugby player. I couldn’t be more excited for right now, and what’s in store in the future!”

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