Danny Cipriani chasing spot in Team GB's 2016 Olympics Sevens side after missing out on England's Rugby World Cup squad

  • Danny Cipriani was omitted from England's final 31-man World Cup squad
  • He impressed in camp but Owen Farrell and George Ford were selected
  • The 27-year-old Sale fly-half is now aiming to win a place at the Olympics
  • England's Sevens World Series results qualify them for the Games 

By Chris Foy For Mailonline

Published: 05:26 EST, 16 September 2015 | Updated: 06:50 EST, 16 September 2015

Danny Cipriani is hoping to make up for his World Cup omission by pursuing a place in the Team GB Sevens squad for next year’s Olympics in Rio.

The 27-year-old Sale fly-half was released by England head coach Stuart Lancaster at the end of last month, despite impressing in the summer training camp and delivering a fine cameo performance against France in Paris. 

His value as a game-changing attacking threat ensured widespread backing from the public and pundits, but the management could not find room for him in a 31-man squad featuring George Ford and Owen Farrell as the specialist No 10s.

Danny Cipriani wants to represent Team GB in Rugby Sevens at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

Danny Cipriani wants to represent Team GB in Rugby Sevens at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

Cipriani impressed in his cameo against France in August but was cut from the 31-man World Cup squad

Cipriani impressed in his cameo against France in August but was cut from the 31-man World Cup squad

However, that same attacking talent may help Cipriani in his quest to appear at another global sporting event. MailOnline Sport understands that he has long harboured ambitions of earning selection for the 2016 Rio Games.

This was a target on Cipriani’s radar before he had even returned to the England ranks, but in light of his World Cup disappointment, the Sevens showpiece may offer him the best chance to represent his country at a major tournament. 

Now that Team GB have qualified courtesy of England’s exploits in the world Sevens series last season, the selection process will be stepped up in the months ahead and Cipriani is one of the 15-a-side players who will push for inclusion.

Simon Amor has been appointed head coach and while the squad will comprise several Sevens specialists, there will be scope for outside recruits. 

Cipriani first came to prominence as a rookie at Wasps with some eye-catching displays in the Middlesex Sevens – including a return of five tries as the club won that prestigious event in 2006. He has retained his explosive pace and has the repertoire of creative skills to make him a prime candidate.

Owen Farrell got the nod from Stuart Lancaster as one of England's two best specialist No 10s
George Ford, the incumbent starter, is the other to have kept Cipriani out of the squad

Owen Farrell (left) and George Ford got the nod as England's preferred No 10s with no room for Cipriani 

England's Sevens side celebrate their victory in Tokyo in April on their way to an overall fourth for the series

England's Sevens side celebrate their victory in Tokyo in April on their way to an overall fourth for the series

Those wishing to be considered must play Sevens in the build-up to the Olympics, but if their club commitments prevent them from taking part in the world series, they can become eligible via appearances in invitational tournaments arranged by their own country. 

However, one sticking point is the release period covered by World Rugby’s regulation nine, which may not be sufficient to allow for the full Team GB training camp and final selection process next June and July.

Other leading countries are already fine-tuning their plans for the Olympics, with New Zealand including household-name All Blacks such as Sonny Bill Williams and Liam Messam in their provisional squad. Australia’s cross-code superstar, Israel Folau, has stated that he will decide early next year whether to make himself available to go to Rio.

 

Comments (3)

Share what you think

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now