Danny Cipriani: I’ve stayed with Sale Sharks because of England

Danny Cipriani says his England call-up helped persuade him to turn down the Toulon treasure and stay at Sale Sharks.
Cipriani, who starred in Sale‘s win on Saturday against Saracens, said : “It was tempting to join Toulon because, of all the clubs in the world, Toulon does tempt you the most with the set-up.
“The thing that swayed it was obviously the opportunity of playing for England and the youngsters coming through here at Sale, it is exciting to see that happening.”
The 27-year-old fly-half says that his time at Sale has enabled him to realise the errors of his past.
Cipriani revealed: “It’s been a different experience for me here. I was very fortunate to be part of an ageing Wasps side, but with a lot of international players.
“Every game, I played on the front foot, I didn’t know how to play on the back foot so when I had my second stint with England I was on the back foot and I didn’t really know how to do it.
“I didn’t know how to handle managers or man-management people as well as I thought. I thought it would be the same as it was at Wasps but it wasn’t.
“That’s exactly what Steve (Diamond) has taught me and those are the type of things that I’ve learnt coming up here. We’ve had a lot of chats about it and it’s about the way you are around players and the way you are in an environment.
“If you make sure you bring positive decision-making, you can see everyone moving forward.”
The ten-times capped Cipriani,  expected to be named in the squad for England’s Test against Ireland on Sunday,  believes the Sale youngsters who have impressed this season can follow his path and join him in future England squads.
He added: “There’s enough natural talent there. The talent that Josh Beaumont has, Will Addison,  Tommy Taylor, Mike Haley, it’s probably the best set of youngsters in the league. It’s just about nurturing them, which Steve (Diamond) does very well, so it’s exciting times for Sale.”
The stand-off’s move to the Sharks following a difficult period in Australia with the Melbourne Rebels.
With England, he appeared to be fourth choice behind George Ford, Owen Farrell and Stephen Myler but, after Farrell went down with an injury, Cipriani was named over Myler for a place on the bench against Wales.
Then he came on last weekend against Italy to score a stunning try.
COLIN NEWBOULT