English Rugby
Wilkinson tips 'huge' England future for Cipriani
ESPNscrum Staff
October 13, 2010
Danny Cipriani of England in action during the Investec Challenge match between England and Australia at Twickenham on November 15, 2008 in London, England
Danny Cipriani has not played for England since 2008 © Getty Images
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Jonny Wilkinson believes that Melbourne Rebels-bound fly-half Danny Cipriani has a 'huge, huge future' with England.

Cipriani has not played a Test since November 2008 and has turned his back on a possible England comeback to pit his wits against the best the southern hemisphere has to offer in next season's inaugural Super Rugby campaign.

Nevertheless, Wilkinson, who took his own leap of faith by joining Top 14 side Toulon in 2009, has pegged his erstwhile team-mate as a star of England's future. Martin Johnson omitted Cipriani from both the Elite Player Squad and Saxons squad in July because the Super season coincides with the 2011 Six Nations - placing any chance of a World Cup call in serious doubt.

"Danny has a huge, huge future [with England]," Wilkinson told The Daily Telegraph. "This may be an experience that is going to give him an even bigger impact when it does come about.

"The important thing is what he does is right for him and that his next step is a move forward. If he is in control of the move and able to influence it, then it will be a big, big step.

"Danny will go out there and search for his best. That is what I am trying to do out here [in Toulon]. When you go after it you start looking for the little added differences. It is an exciting prospect. If Danny is on form, then people need to benefit from it."

Cipriani's move to the Rebels will see him paired with former Wallabies boss Rod Macqueen, who was angered last week by the former Wasps star's failure to attend a pre-season meet due to visa issues.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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