Danny Cipriani is on his way back to English rugby following confirmation of a deal with Sale Sharks.
The 24-year-old turned his back onEnglandin 2010, signing a deal with Super Rugby outfit Melbourne Rebels. He will see out his contract with the Australian club before joining Sale, who he has committed to on a three-year deal.
Sale chief executive Steve Diamond said: "Quality signings such as Danny Cipriani and Richie Gray are a massive statement of intent from the Sharks, as we aim to become a 'Super Northern Club'."
The fly-half came through the ranks with Wasps and was tipped to become a major force forEnglandafter bursting on to the scene as a teenager, but he has just seven caps to his name.
Diamond added: "Danny has been targeted by many European clubs, but has chosen to be based inManchester, as he feels that the Sharks give him the best opportunity to fulfil his aspirations to be the No. 1 fly-half inEnglandby the time of the 2015 Rugby World Cup."
Cipriani burst on to the scene as a rookie 17-year-old in 2004. His progress continued and in 2008 he was named as the Professional Rugby Association`s young player of the year after making his England debut against Ireland in March of that year.
That, though, was only after he had missed the chance to make it against Scotland after being dropped from the squad for disciplinary reasons. He went on to win six more caps but has fallen out of favour since, with his time in Melbourne taking him out of the selection picture.
