Cipriani to miss England tour

Sunday 18th May 2008

Wasps star Danny Cipriani will miss England's tour to New Zealand after sustaining a suspected broken ankle in his side's 21-10 win over Bath at Adams Park on Sunday.

Cipriani was tackled by Olly Barkley and found himself at the bottom of a ruck in the 49th minute with Wasps leading the Guinness Premiership semi-final 14-7.

Television cameras opted not to replay the incident which was witnessed by England manager Martin Johnson in the stands, but it was clear that Cipriani's right foot had been twisted a full 90 degrees to the right.

The Wasps fly-half cried out in pain and was given oxygen treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off and taken to London's Lister Hospital where he is undergoing tests.

Cipriani was set to start in the number ten jersey against the All Blacks but if worst fears are realised he now faces a lengthy spell of rehabilitation.

Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio said after the game that he hoped the injury was simply a dislocated ankle.

"It's a nasty injury and no-one likes to see it," he said.

"Danny's got a bright future and we wish him all the best.

"It's very disappointing, no one likes to see any injuries.

"Danny has a huge future so hopefully it's not too serious and he'll back soon.

"But he'll return a better and stronger player because of what's happened today so there's no reason to worry too much about him."

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan said: "We don't know anything yet about Danny.

"We'll have to see if it's a break, dislocation or both. We think it's the ankle.

"The only priority for Danny now is to be 100 per cent fit again. He's a talented player and his fitness should be all we're thinking about.

"We'll make sure that happens. When he comes back and plays he'll be 100 per cent. This club does that for its players."

Cipriani was joined in the ambulance by team-mate Tom Voyce after the England wing dislocated his shoulder.

"Tom's shoulder is still out," said McGeechan after the game.

"We gave it three goes to get it back but couldn't manage it. He's in a lot of pain."