Cipriani is still a Rebel
Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:07
No longer together: Danny Cipriani and Kelly Brook
A heartbroken Danny Cipriani remains on the Melbourne Rebels' books for the inaugural Super 15 next year.
Rebels coach Rod MacQueen has played down a British report that the high-profile recruit, Cipriani, is trying to get out of his contract to pursue a career in soccer.
The Daily Mail reported the 22-year-old England flyhalf had become disillusioned with Rugby Union after a split with his girlfriend, actress and model Kelly Brook, left him heartbroken.
The report says Cipriani, who had trials with English football clubs Queens Park Rangers and Reading as a teenager, has been approached by Premier League club Fulham with the view to a trial on July 7. West Ham United is also believed to be interested.
But MacQueen said: "Danny's a little broken-hearted after breaking up with his girlfriend but, as far as I know, he's not trying to get out of his contract.
"A few of us have spoken to him and the situation with the contract is cool."
In a text message to Macqueen, Cipriani described the article as "rubbish" and advised the 1999 World Cup-winning coach to pay no attention to it.
"They couldn't be further from the truth," Cipriani texted.
Indeed, he pointed out that he is now training with NFL players in Los Angeles in a bid to improve his footwork before joining up with the Rebels in Melbourne in August.
Friends of Cipriani insist the break-up with Brook has left the 22-year-old's dream of a new life in Australia in tatters.
The talented flyhalf has struggled to hold onto an England jersey since bursting onto the international scene.
He narrowly missed out on selection for the 2007 World Cup and wasted a call-up to the England squad for the 2008 Six Nations Cup after being axed for inappropriate behaviour.
England manager Martin Johnson further frustrated Cipriani's representative aspirations when he said he would not select the Wasps player if he chose to play in the southern hemisphere.
With thanks to News Limited newspapers
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