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Cipriani puts Gloucester speculation to bed by agreeing bumper contract

Gloucester out-half Danny Cipriani

After months of speculation that he could leave Gloucester despite having a contract only due to fully expire in summer 2020, Danny Cipriani has agreed a top-up deal that ensures he will definitely be playing for David Humphreys’ side next season. 

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It had been speculated that Bath and Bristol were both hot on the trail of the out-of-favour England out-half. However, the matter has at last finally been settled, Gloucester tweeting on Tuesday evening that their star playmaker has agreed to stay loyal and will continue togging out for the Premiership play-off chasing Cherry & Whites until at least 2022 following a three-year top-up.

The club had denied last month that Cipriani had a break clause in his current contract that would allow him to leave this summer. However, despite that denial, they have gone and splashed out to ensure he remains their player. 

RugbyPass reported last week that Cipriani’s current contract is worth in the region of £190,000 to £200,000, a relatively modest wage for an out-half of his calibre and experience. His new contract at Gloucester will potentially double that amount.

Cipriani signed a two-year deal in 2018 to join Gloucester, but the speculation that he could leave a year early forced head coach Johan Ackermann to confront these rumours a fortnight ago at his weekly media conference. 

“I’m not aware of any release clauses so, according to me, Danny is here with us for the 2019/20 season. Post that I’m not quite sure, that’s an ongoing process with the club and with Danny,” said the South African. 

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“When it comes to contracting, if the club feels they need to incorporate me and bring me in then I’ll get involved. But when it’s a financial decision it’s not me that must make the budget work. It’s up to the club to make that and that’s where the process is at the moment. It’s between Danny and the club for beyond next season.”

Cipriani is expected to explain his contract top-up in an in-house interview to be released by the club on Wednesday. 

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Hellhound 32 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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