Former England fly-half Danny Cipriani announces retirement from professional rugby

Former England fly-half Danny Cipriani has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby.

The 36-year-old made his England debut in 2006 but managed to feature for them in just 16 Tests with his last appearance coming under Eddie Jones in 2018.

His professional rugby debut came with Wasps in 2006 and had stints with Melbourne Rebels, Sale Sharks, Wasps, Gloucester and Bath Rugby. Cipriani hasn't been playing club rugby since 2022 when he left Bath but did managed to feature for Barbarians later in that year.

“Even though I’ve been semi-retired. This is my official announcement,” Cipriani wrote on the social media platform X.

“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.

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

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

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

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