Thursday Round-Up

Cipriani staying put: Sale Sharks fans have been handed a massive boost today, after flyhalf Danny Cipriani committed his future to the club, signing a new two year deal in the process. Arguably Sale’s most foremost player in recent years, the extension of the England international’s stay comes as a welcome bonus for the club and its supporters alike. Having burst onto the scene with Wasps as a baby-faced teenager operating at fullback, Cipriani has had many ups and downs in his career to date, including a stint in Australia with the Melbourne Rebels. However, after 18 months at Sale, Cipriani seems to be finally living up to the furore which surrounded him as a youngster, consistently delivering in the ten jersey for Sale boss Steve Diamond. After a stellar season last year, the former London Wasp was invited to tour with England to New Zealand, where he impressed enough to earn two Test match appearances. Since then, Cipriani has been involved in the national setup, recently making his first Six Nations appearance in seven years, capping off his return to the international stage with a superb try against Italy at Twickenham. Cipriani has become the 10th player in the past few months to commit himself to Sale.

Delany to Falcons: Newcastle Falcons have today confirmed the signing of New Zealander Mike Delany from Clermont, on what is thought to be a three year deal. Delany, who has often been the man to fill the void at Clermont when the likes of Camille Lopez are on international duty, is a versatile utility back with pinpoint kicking skills and a general understanding of space on the field. Having played Super Rugby for both the Highlanders and the Chiefs, along with stints in Japan’s Top League with the Panasonic Wild Knights, Delany has become an important cog in the Clermont wheel in recent years. Born in Rotorua, New Zealand, Delany earned one cap for the All Blacks, having impressed selectors in the 2009 edition of New Zealand’s domestic competition, the Air New Zealand Cup.

Ryan Sheady