'Don't make Gavin's mistakes Danny'
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:56
Welsh legend Jonathan Davies says he hopes English’s rugby hottest public property, Danny Cipriani, does not follow the example of his Welsh bad boy, Gavin Henson.
Henson, himself a very talented and exciting player, has regularly made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Whether it be for disciplinary or social issues, the UK tabloids have regularly featured Henson on their front pages, and Davies says that Cipriani should really learn from the Wales No.12 mistakes.
While the controversy which has surrounded Henson has not always been of his own making, Davies says that Wasps star Cipriani would do well to pick his friends and his surroundings wisely.
Speaking to the Evening Standard Davies said: "Danny is going to be exposed to a lot of what came Gavin’s way and he must be careful about what he does.
"He will be asked to do many things and promote various items. He must be sensible about what he chooses to get involved with."
The former Wales No. 10 said that there was perhaps even a role for sportswear giant Adidas to play in keeping the English star on the straight and narrow. Cipriani has recently become an ambassador for the global brand and Davies believes it would be in their best interests to keep tabs on their representative.
"Hopefully they [Adidas] will have an advisory role because they will not want to see him doing anything that detracts from their brand."
He continued: "Danny and Gavin should know what to do and when to do it. They are professional athletes and if you are pictured out enjoying yourself then, as long as you are not getting smashed then you are OK.
"You have to prioritise your life, and for them, that means doing well in their sport at this point."
