Danny Cipriani's focus will be to perform well for Wasps - Dai Young

Dai Young believes Danny Cipriani, pictured, can reject any Lions sideshow in Saturday's European clash at Leinster
Dai Young believes Danny Cipriani, pictured, can reject any Lions sideshow in Saturday's European clash at Leinster
©PA

Wasps rugby director Dai Young insisted that Danny Cipriani will be completely focussed on winning the game for the Aviva Premiership side when they lock horns with Leinster in the European Champions Cup play-off game on Saturday.

The 29-year-old last featured for England in 2015 but is a possible contender for the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in June according to Young. The Saturday's play-off game will also see Cipriani battling with his counterpart and Ireland international Johnny Sexton.

However, Young is confident that the England Saxons fly-half will set his British and Irish Lions ambitions aside and focus on winning the game for Wasps.

"The last thing from our point of view that we're going to turn this into is a Danny Cipriani versus Johnny Sexton competition," said Young, with Lions boss Gatland naming his touring squad next month.

"I'm sure Danny will want to be playing rugby somewhere in the summer, but he's no different from anybody else.

"Every game is a chance for people to state their Lions case, but for us it's solely about making sure we play our game.

"All the side-plots are for after the game.

"From our point of view, players that want to progress and play rugby in the summer, the longer we're in competitions, the more chance they've got of forcing their way in.

"Danny's one of 15 players - he's a quality player, we all know that - but they've got a number of quality players too.

"In fairness to Danny, he's really led us well this season and I don't expect him to do any different this weekend.

"And I'd like think his full focus really is doing well for Wasps. He knows if he does well for Wasps, and Wasps do well, that can help his ambitions both on the big tour, or if you don't get on that, obviously I'm sure he'll want to get on the England tour to Argentina."

Young also confirmed that wing Willie le Roux and centre Alapati Leiua will undergo return to play protocols ahead of the crucial game against Leinster.