Cipriani unable to resist lure of old flame Wasps as fly-half confirms return to his first club
England fly-half Danny Cipriani insists the lure of rekindling his former love affair with Wasps proved irresistible after yesterday confirming that he will re-join the club from Sale Sharks next season.
Wasps fended off competition from Harlequins for the signature of Cipriani, who had a season to run on his existing deal at Sale but chose to exercise a break clause in his contract.
Cipriani made 95 appearances for Wasps following his debut as a 17-year-old in 2004 before moving to Australian Super Rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels in 2011. The deal for his to return to Wasps is worth £300,000 per season and is for three years.
“I still feel such a strong connection with Wasps,” said Cipriani. “It’s where I learned my trade, alongside incredible players like Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley, Alex King, Fraser Waters, Josh Lewsey and Paul Sackey.
“There’s something about Wasps which always draws you in. ‘Once a Wasp, always a Wasp’ is more than just a saying when you’ve been part of the club.”
Cipriani, who was won 14 international caps but missed out on selection for the World Cup and Six Nations, represented Melbourne Rebels in 2011 and 2012 before spending the last four years with fellow Premiership side Sale.