World Cup boost for Cipriani

Danny Cipriani’s Rugby World Cup hopes have been kept alive after he was re-bailed until November.

Cipriani was arrested back in June on suspicion of drink-driving after winning the man of the match award for England after their win over the Barbarians.

With further inquiries taking place Cipriani’s bail has been extended by the police.

That means he is still eligible to be selected for England’s Rugby World Cup squad as Stuart Lancaster waits for the outcome of Cipriani’s legal case.

The Sale Sharks fly-half still faces a battle to make England’s 31-man Rugby World Cup squad given that England are likely to opt for only two number tens in their final group, with Owen Farrell and George Ford ahead of Cipriani in the England pecking order.

Cipriani has been tipped to start for England during their opening warm-up match against France at Twickenham on August 15.