Discarded England star sparks fears of switch to France

Discarded England playmaker Danny Cipriani’s days at Premiership club Gloucester could be numbered as he eyes up a move to France.

Speaking to BT Sport, the 31-year-old first-five revealed he is tempted by a move to the Top 14, with Clermont and Toulon seen as the likely destinations, according to GloucestershireLive.

“The opportunity to play in France and ply your trade in another part of the world is an unbelievable opportunity and I’m fully aware how fortunate I am to have that opportunity as a rugby player,” said Cipriani, who is contracted to Gloucester until the end of the 2019-20 season.

“There’s plenty to weigh up, in terms of family, financial motivation and the desire of the team.

“What are the group trying to achieve? That’s huge for me. If their aspirations are big and I can help match them then you will have symmetry in what you’re trying to do, which is important.”

Cirpirani’s statements comes as he continues to struggle to break into Eddie Jones’ England squad, despite being a standout in the Premiership.

He has garnered just 16 test caps since his debut against Wales in 2008, and a move to France would kill off his chances of adding to that tally.

Cipriani turned down lucrative offshore deals when he moved to Gloucester from Wasps in the off-season, but has some experience playing overseas after a two-year stint with the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby.

Watch: Eddie Jones and Owen Farrell speak to the media ahead of their Six Nations clash with France