Big name move
Bath Rugby are expected to confirm the signing of mercurial flyhalf Danny Cipriani tomorrow after significant speculation around the former England international moving to The Rec.
The Daily Mail reported the announcement of his signature was due on Tuesday when Bath were due to hold their press conference, but it is now expected to take place before tomorrow’s press conference which is scheduled for 3pm.
The Bath Chronicle exclusively reported back in early February that Bath were holding talks with the free agent about replacing Rhys Priestland at The Rec with the 50-cap Welsh international heading to Cardiff Blues on a two-year deal.
Cipriani, 33, is currently without a club having officially parted company with West Country rivals Gloucester Rugby by mutual consent in December, having not played for the Cherry and Whites since November 21 when he had a poor display on the opening day of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership season in a 38-15 defeat to Leicester Tigers.
A couple of weeks ago Cipriani was linked with a big money move to the Japanese Top League but he is understood to have signed a one-year deal with Bath which would allow him not to uproot his family.
The Daily Mail report the deal is with an option to extend his stay.
Speaking in January, Cipriani explained he had decided to take the season out to refocus but is looking to return to action somewhere in 2021/22, stating he feels he has two or three more years of rugby in him.
At his best the former Wasps, Sale Sharks and Melbourne Rebels number 10 is one of the most devastating attacking players in the game and possesses the full skill-set needed to spark Bath’s star-studded back-line into life.
Cipriani is also the type of big name signing which has been in the DNA of Bath Rugby under the ownership of Bruce Craig.
In 2018/19 Cipriani was named RPA Players’ Player of the Year after leading Gloucester into the play-offs, however off-field struggles, including the tragic death of his close friend Caroline Flack and the loss of a pregnancy with his partner, took a toll on the 16-cap former England international’s mental health in 2020 as well as his form on the pitch, which led him to take a break.