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Rugby Union

Cipriani targets November comeback

29/06/2008

Wasps and England fly-half Danny Cipriani is targeting a comeback in November from the dislocated ankle he suffered in May.

The injury ruled Cipriani out of the end of Wasps season, which saw them lift the Guinness Premiership trophy at Twickenham.

Cipriani also missed the recent England tour to New Zealand, where his presence was sorely missed as Rob Andrew's side were beaten heavily in both Test matches by the All Blacks.

The 20-year-old insists he will not rush back too quickly from the injury and is determined to be completely ready before returning to the field.

He told the BBC: "Wasps and England have been very good - they just want to make sure I'm 100 per cent."

Having seen Jonny Wilkinson continually comeback from injury since 2003, both Wasps and England will be keen for Cipriani not to fall into the same cycle.

Nevertheless Cipriani hopes that a return to club rugby in November could give him enough time to earn a place in the England squad ahead of the Six Nations in the spring of 2009.

He said: "I'm not setting myself an exact game, but late November would be a good comeback for me from the injury. Hopefully I will have time to put my place down and make the England team.

"I don't want to do things by halves; I want to be fully fit and ready to go."

Cipriani will have the protective cast taken off his leg next week and explained that a boot will be fitted to allow him some movement.

The fly-half expects to find out two weeks after that how long his rehabilitation is likely to take.