IRB Rugby World Cup
Stuart Lancaster awaits outcome of Danny Cipriani investigation before deciding World Cup fate
ESPN Staff
June 23, 2015
Danny Cipriani runs for England against the Barbarians
Danny Cipriani runs for England against the Barbarians© (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Danny Cipriani's World Cup fate is yet to be decided after England head coach Stuart Lancaster revealed he could take "no position" on the fly-half's drink-driving arrest until the police investigation has been concluded.

Lancaster's squad are due to meet up on Monday to start their preparations and are already missing Manu Tuilagi and Dylan Hartley due to disciplinary problems.

Cipriani's name could be added to that list if he is found guilty of an offence once the investigation into his arrest earlier this month is concluded in early August.

The Sale fly-half is expected to take part in the upcoming high-altitude camp in Denver, with Lancaster required to name his final 31-man World Cup squad by August 31.

The England coach said: "(I am) waiting to see what the police investigation will determine. I've got no position at all at the moment.

"He's not been charged with anything so as a consequence is in camp and training as everyone else is.

"I'll deal with it as and when it's appropriate."

The England head coach expressed frustration that omissions have been forced upon him.

Lancaster added: "It's not ideal that you're in that position where you're having to make decisions like that, particularly when they're high-quality players."

And the group have been reminded of their responsibilities, with many of them taken back to Lancaster's first camp as head coach in January 2012 in Leeds where he set out the team's values.

Wing David Strettle has withdrawn from the England squad to prepare for his move to French Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne after leaving Saracens.

"He rang me towards the end of last week," Lancaster said. "He'd been to France, he considered his options and alternatives and decided to pull out."

Bath wing Semesa Rokoduguni has replaced Strettle and will leave Fiji imminently to join up with England. Wasps' Christian Wade remains in the selectors' minds.

© ESPN Staff

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.