England in New Zealand 2014
RFU: No request for Cipriani to be rested
ESPN Staff
May 11, 2014
Danny Cipriani has been in fine form for Sale this season © Getty Images
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The Rugby Football Union has denied reports that Stuart Lancaster asked for Sale fly-half Danny Cipriani to be rested against London Irish on Saturday ahead of a possible return to the England squad.

Reports in the Sunday Telegraph claimed Lancaster put in an off-the-record request for Cipriani to have a weekend off as England battle a growing injury crisis. But an RFU spokesperson has dismissed the claims.

"It is completely inaccurate to suggest that Stuart Lancaster asked Sale Sharks to rest Danny Cipriani from yesterday's match.

"Stuart has spent the last few weeks visiting all the directors of rugby/head coaches, including [Sale's] Steve Diamond, as part of a positive working relationship with the Aviva Premiership clubs but he did not ask for Danny to be given this weekend off."

There has been a growing clamour for Cipriani to be given another chance at Test level with Brian Moore saying recently it was time for England to bring the fly-half back in from the cold.

On Thursday, Lancaster will announce a small training group of the players featuring those who are no longer needed for domestic duties as he starts to assemble a squad ahead of England's tour to New Zealand this summer. With Sale out of Europe and not involved in the play-offs, there is a chance Cipriani will be handed a call-up.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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