Cipriani: England the only reason I play

Danny Cipriani is delighted his self-belief has been rewarded with an international call-up because he has “played the game just to play for England”.

The 30-year-old was not offered a new deal at Wasps earlier this year and could have departed for the Top 14 in France as he appeared to be outside the England picture.

But Cipriani held off on any contract, certain he had the credentials to play for Eddie Jones’ side, and his form in his final months at Wasps has led to an international recall and a reported two-year deal at Gloucester.

“I have been here before and it’s not about following the wave up and down and letting your emotions ride with it, but staying on an even keel,” Cipriani said, as quoted by the Guardian.

“Anyone who knows me knows I’ve played the game just to play for England. It is now down to me to make sure things go well. I never gave up on England otherwise I would have signed a contract months ago.

After months of speculation & gossip. It’s nice to announce I’m going to @gloucesterrugby ! Looking forward to playing at Kingsholm and with my new team mates! But first, every ounce of focus and effort is representing my boyhood club in the playoff! @WaspsRugby

— Danny Cipriani (@DannyCipriani87) May 14, 2018

“I love the attritional side of French rugby and I had conversations. It was not easy to hold out with people pointing out that I was not getting picked, but perhaps that wasn’t the right moment for me.

“When it is meant to be, it will all fall into place. It is tough to break into a squad with so much quality, but I have an opportunity to go in and leave a positive imprint.”

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