Danny Cipriani: The next chapter?

After the exclusion of Danny Cipriani from England's trip to Treviso for a warm weather training camp, it all but confirmed that his world cup dream had reached its conclusion. Eddie Jones then officially announced this when naming his 31 man squad squad to travel to Japan.

The 2018/19 Premiership Player of the Season signed a 3 year contract extension with Gloucester in April but after his controversial absence from Jones' squad there are a number of questions over the Englishman's future. This discussion is particularly relevant due to Cipriani's good friend Christian Wade making the switch from Wasps to Buffalo Bills in the NFL and scoring a 60 yard touch down with his first touch.

So here are some potential paths if he were to follow in Wade's footsteps:

Stay

Having signed the 3 year deal, Cipriani could look to see that out and maybe look to close out his career in the likes of Japan.

This would give him the opportunity to still knock at the England door if he believes that it is still realistic after being in the environment recently and whether Eddie has given him any constructive criticism in camp.

The Fly-Half seemed to enjoy his first year in the west country and after pushing them up to the play-offs may want to look at adding to his Premiership winners medal from 2008 and with Ackermann building a force to be reckoned with it doesn't look unlikely.

Go Abroad

With Cipriani's England career looking as if it is hanging by a thread, dependant on someone else's misfortune in the warm up games or in Japan, a move abroad could be well and truly on the cards.

The lucrative money that sides looking for his signature could reach new levels, especially from across the channel with the likes of Toulon looking to bring world class superstars to challenge in Europe. Whether the money would be of interest to Cipriani is a different question but many great players such as Jonny Wilkinson and Bakkies Botha have gone to France to wind down their careers as well as competing at the top level.

Another location that offers potential is Japan with it being the up and coming scene for rugby, not only with the world cup being hosted there but also domestically with big players such as Willie Le Roux and Matt Giteau making the move.

With RWC taking place and the Sunwolves flying the flag in Super Rugby it is ever growing in popularity and would be an interesting option to the Gloucester fly-half as it would definitely increase the popularity as well as offer him with a challenge of a different nature.

Rugby League

It could be said that Cipriani's skill set would be well suited to league with his skilful passing and kicking creating chances for his teammates and filling highlight reels come the end of each season.

The physicality maybe the only question over whether it would work for the Englishman as their would be no doubt, come the 5th phase with Cipriani at outside, the defence would be anxious about what was to come. His natural flair could be likened in a sense to former Castleford Tigers and England outside half Rangi Chase who has the ability to constantly threaten a defence and create a play out of nothing in their own ways.

There was recent news that apparently Toronto Wolfpack had been in touch with Cipriani after his exclusion from England's squad, offering the number ten the chance to join them in 2020. However, with Cipriani opening up about his time living across the world at Melbourne Rebels revealing he went through a stage of heavy depression at the time having been predominantly on his own but having reflected on that time may want to explore new challenges and give it another go.

The NRL could also be another strong option with it being the mix of France's money but the high quality of rugby similar to Super Rugby.

This is a strong option that i believe would suit Cipriani the best if he were to change codes or sport.

NFL

This idea is merely from the influence of Wade upon Cipriani with them being good friends. This could offer the biggest challenge to him as it would be the biggest adjustment but after watching Cipriani's determination to put himself back into the England mix this year there is no doubt he'd have the desire.

My knowledge of American Football is limited but feel he would perhaps suit the specials team being a goal kicker as his kicking does not get the recognition it deserves. He has natural pace so may fancy himself for a more starring role if he were to make the move.

The lifestyle maybe also attractive with it being something different to Leamington Spa or Cheltenham and perhaps more showbiz. Numerous Rugby stars have made the switch such as Jarryd Hayne and Nate Ebner so it is a realistic move.

If your opinions differ feel free to comment below or tweet me @ballersblog1 or @hynesjourno

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