Aviva Premiership
Cipriani turns down Toulon for new Sale contract
ESPN Staff
February 18, 2015
Cipriani delighted to be back in the England fold

Danny Cipriani has rejected a big-money move to European champions Toulon to sign a new contract with Sale, according to a report.

The fly-half is set to sign a two-year extension to his deal at the AJ Bell stadium, with the Daily Mail reporting that he will also take the role of vice-captain in Steve Diamond's squad.

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.

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.

The Daily Mail report claims that Toulon officials made a formal offer for Cipriani's services late last month, but after being selected for England duty, the 27-year-old opted to stay at home and fight for a Test berth.

Harlequins and Bristol are also understood to have expressed their interest in Cipriani, but he is settled at Sale.

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."

Danny Cipriani made a try-scoring return to Twickenham against Italy last Saturday © Getty Images
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