Lancaster confirms Cipriani still in contention for World Cup
Stuart Lancaster has confirmed Danny Cipriani remains in contention for a place in England’s 2015 Rugby World Cup squad, following the announcement that Cipriani has been re-bailed on possible drink driving charges until November.
Speaking to Sky Sports, England Head coach Stuart Lancaster remarked “Obviously its good news that he (Cipriani) is not required to turn up at the police today and obviously we’ve still got to wait and see how it plays out but we know its going to be in November so it clears us to make an informed selection decision without any other things to complicate matters.”
“It is competitive in that position, obviously Owen (Farrell) and George (Ford) are high quality players and have played extremely well for England in the past, but Danny has been extremely good in training as well and versatility will be important in the squad and we will need a third player in the squad who can play fly-half.”
“That could be a fullback or it could still be someone like Danny.”
Lancaster is set to cut up to nine players from England’s 46-man preliminary World Cup training squad on Friday as he continues to whittle down the 31 players who will represent England on home soil in this year’s World Cup.
Elliot Daly, Maro Itoje, Ed Slater, Stephen Myler and Nick Easter were the first departees from the England squad last month, with Kyle Eastmond and Billy Twelvetrees amongst those rumoured to be the next to face the axe.
