CIPRIANI CROWNED PLAYER OF THE YEAR

DANNY CIPRIANI went from doghouse to penthouse last night when crowned Player of the Year by his fellow professionals.

Nine months after being fined for assault and resisting arrest at a Jersey nightclub, the England fly-half was acclaimed for his dazzling campaign by the Rugby Players’ Association.

The contrast between his appearance in the dock of a magistrates’ court and on a stage at Twickenham Stadium could not have been greater.

“It’s very humbling to be named the winner of such a prestigious and special award,” said Cipriani, who has taken Gloucester to the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

Eleven years on from winning Young Player of the Year, Cipriani becomes just the third man to capture both awards, following Red Rose legend Jonny Wilkinson and NFL rookie Christian Wade. The 31-year-old (above), who recently signed a new longterm deal to remain at Kingsholm, has lit up the Premiership all season.

Cipriani beat Cobus Reinach, Faf de Klerk, Santiago Cordero and Henry Slade to the gong, with clubmate Ollie Thorley (below) taking Young Player honours.

But Owen Farrell remains Eddie Jones’ choice at No.10 and the Saracens man insists he remains obsessed with taking his game to the next level. “I’m still trying to get better at the leadership side of things,” said the Wigan-born playmaker, who goes head-tohead with Lions pal Johnny Sexton when Sarries play holders Leinster in Saturday’s Champions Cup final. ■ BT Sport will show Leinster versus Saracens in the Heineken Champions Cup final on BT Sport 2, on Saturday, 4pm. Watch on TV and via the award-winning BT Sport App, bt.com/ sport.