CIPRIANI WORLD CUP IS BACK ON
Drink-drive decision delayed
Danny Cipriani is free to play for England in the rugby World Cup after a decision on whether he should face a drink- driving charge was put back until mid-november.
The 27-year- old fly-half, who was arrested in June when his £60,000 Mercedes was involved in an accident hours after a man-of-the-match performance for England against the Barbarians, has been told by coach Stuart Lancaster that he remains in contention for selection until a final verdict is reached.
The delay means he will not find out if he is to be charged until after the World Cup final on October 31.
a Met police spokesman told Sportsmail: ‘We can confirm that a 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of drink- driving has been re- bailed until mid-november.’
Up to nine players will be cut from England’s training squad at the end of this week but Cipriani is expected to be retained and given the opportunity to impress in the first warm-up Test against France at Twickenham on august 15.
The Sale star has impressed during boot camps at England’s base at pennyhill park and their high- altitude training camp in Denver.
Bath’s George Ford and Owen Farrell of Saracens are the leading contenders for the no 10 jersey. But Cipriani, who can also play at full back, is hoping his versatility works in his favour when the final 31-man squad is named.
Lancaster has a zero-tolerance policy on discipline and Dylan Hartley (banned for butting) and Manu Tuilagi (convicted of assault) have already been told they will play no part in next month’s World Cup.