Cipriani eyes England return

12 April 2012

England's forgotten fly-half Danny Cipriani is determined to force his way back into manager Martin Johnson's thoughts with some improved performances for Wasps in the new season.

The 21-year-old is not currently part of Johnson's Elite Player Squad (EPS) and missed the senior side's tour to Argentina, playing instead for the second-string Saxons in the Churchill Cup.

"I have dropped back. So I have to do everything I can to ensure I can get selected for the new year," he told The Times.

"No doors have been shut and it is about how I and Wasps come out of the blocks in the first two months (of the season).

"I have had chats with Johnno and I know what areas he wants me to improve on - defence, for instance.

"I have to do everything I can to show him I have changed."

Cipriani believes the public's perception of him as a sportsman is clouded by his relationship with model and television presenter Kelly Brook.

"People make opinions about you when they don't know you," he added.

"I don't get drunk, yet get labelled a party boy and a celebrity. I am not at all. I play rugby, that is my trade."

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