Aviva Premiership
Cipriani rejects Toulon to sign new Sale deal
February 19, 2015
Cipriani delighted to be back in the England fold

England fly-half Danny Cipriani has signed a new two-year contract with Sale Sharks, the Aviva Premiership club have announced.

The 27-year-old had been considering a big-money offer to join French and European champions Toulon, but the has now committed his future to Sale.

Cipriani, who made his international debut at Twickenham in 2008, marked his return to the national stadium with a try for England in their 47-17 rout of Italy last Saturday.

He had begun talks with Sale about an extended contract before Christmas, and said: "I am delighted to have put pen to paper at last and signed the new deal.

"It's a quality set-up and the future looks great at the club with some exciting times ahead. One of the main reasons I signed the new deal was that we've got a tight squad and it embraces new talent.

"It's also an environment that makes you feel very welcome so, as I say, I'm really thrilled about signing the new deal and looking forward to the future."

After several years in the international wilderness, Cipriani's stylish performance as a replacement for first-choice stand-off George Ford was further evidence of his determination to nail down a place in Stuart Lancaster's long-term England plans.

His chances of adding to his 10 caps will be enhanced by opting to remain in the Aviva Premiership, with England refusing to consider players based overseas.

After the departure of Toby Flood from Leicester to Toulouse at the end of last season, England head coach Lancaster will be relieved that another talented No.10 is staying on this side of the Channel.

Last month, he hinted that Cipriani is part of his plans for the World Cup and beyond, saying: "I see Danny being around for hopefully the next three or four years."

England's Danny Cipriani ran in a try on his return to Twickenham at the weekend © Getty Images
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