Is Danny Cipriani becoming a Rebel with a cause?

Friday 5 February 2010
Published By: Amy Nicholson
Super Rugby > London Wasps

England fly half Danny Cipriani is set to ditch Wasps and make a move to the Melbourne Rebels, according to one newspaper, which claimed the injury-plagued star wants to start again in the Super 15s.

The Times reported that the move is on the verge of being completed and would see the number ten land a contract worth more than £200,000 a season.

"Provided there are no last-minute hitches, he will travel Down Under in October with Kelly Brook, his actress girlfriend. In doing so he will become the first England international to play club rugby in Australia in the professional era," it stated.

If the newspaper is correct, Cipriani would be following in the footsteps of Jonny Wilkinson, who left the English game to play for Toulon in the French league and has recovered his form and starting place in the England side.

Speculation about the transfer started earlier this week when Melbourne Rebels coach Rod MacQueen spoke about his admiration for Cipriani, saying he was "on their radar".