Cipriani must be England's number-one fly-half to be selected - Eddie Jones

England coach Eddie Jones has challenged Danny Cipriani to become the number-one fly-half in the country in order to stake a claim in the national squad.

Cipriani, last played for England in August 2015 and has been overlooked since then. The 28-year-old, who featured for the England Saxons in their recent tour of South Africa has not played for the red rose team under Jones, who seem to prefer Owen Farrell and George Ford.

The Wasps fly-half was also left out of the England's training camp squad for the autumn internationals and also the Elite Player Squad by Jones and the addition of Saracens fly-half Alex Lozowski in the 45-man EPS has created further doubt on Cipriani's comeback chance.

However, Jones stated that for Cipriani to reclaim England position, he has to better Farrell and Ford.

"I had a number of difficult conversations yesterday," said Jones of informing a host of players they had been overlooked for selection.

"Danny knows what he's got to do.

"Look he's a talented player but I said it quite clearly to him. At the moment he's not one or two in England in terms of stand-offs.

"We see George (Ford) and Owen (Farrell) together as one and two. They are 23 and 24 years old, they are the heart of the England side.

"They can organise the team, they are tactically smart.

"So for Cipriani to get into the squad he's got to be able to show he can be number one."

The former Australian coach also insisted that England will continue with the 10 and 12 combination of Ford and Farrell which was reaped huge dividends.

Not completely shutting the door on Cipriani, Jones urged the former Sale Sharks' star to prove his mettle and force his way back into the squad.

"I don't see him as a player who comes in the squad as a number three or four player," said Jones.

"To me he's not that sort of player, he likes to be the main man. And when he plays well enough to be number one he'll be in the squad."