»Ackermann backing Cipriani
GLOUCESTER head coach Johan Ackermann has given Danny Cipriani his full support.
Ackermann believes the England star has been treated unfairly because of his high-profile after he was fined £2,000 for common assault and resisting police arrest after an altercation at a Jersey nightclub during the club’s pre-season tour this week.
The story has caused front page headlines in the national press but rather than disrupting the players with just two weeks to go before the start of the season, Ackermann insists the squad have rallied round to support Cipriani.
“The players are embracing him obviously it is unfortunate that the incident happened,” said Ackermann after Gloucester ended a turbulent week with a 29-17 pre-season friendly win over Ulster in Belfast.
“It is out of line from what was reported.
“The players know what his side was, they back him and believe in him 100 per cent.
“It did not disrupt us at all - we were totally focussed on the job ahead.
“Credit to Danny he has slotted in with the team and has put it behind him. He is a positive influence - he has already contributed a lot in the whole team environment.”
The club will hold their own review of the incident with chairman Martin St Quinton, chief executive Stephen Vaughan and director of rugby David Humphreys set to speak with Cipriani on Monday before the RFU’S hearing after they charged him with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game.
But Ackermann, who also faced allegations of being involved in a nightclub brawl himself last year before being cleared in a police investigation, is satisfied with Cipriani’s side of the story.
“I have spoken to Danny and I know the facts,” he said.
“The club and Stephen Vaughan has stood behind him.
“If it was just a Gloucester player (not Danny) I wonder if it had gone further.
“Unfortunately he is branded, and it is a bit unfair.
“I am glad that the truth is out there. He made a mistake but it was not as serious as people wanted it to be. It is good that has come out.
“If I take anything from my incident (alleged assault) - although it was thrown out, I wasn’t guilty - people only want to write about that.
“It is when you are guilty they look for mistakes.
“We are human beings and sometimes have to relax.”
“David, Stephen and Martin will have discussions with him.
“We felt we have dealt with it and it is done.
“The players knew the truth immediately - it was not hide and seek between us and the players, they knew why he was not in the group and got on with it.
“Rugby was the priority - we are two weeks away from the start of the Premiership.
“He is as driven as us to make it a success. We are not going to let a minor incident disrupt the campaign.”
Ackermann also praised Cipriani’s attitude since he joined up with the Gloucester squad three weeks ago following his summer move from Wasps.
“He’s a positive influence around the team, he’s encouraging the team even now after the boys came in the changing room after this game,” said Ackermann.
“He came and you can see the excitement in him, he saw a lot of excitement that he can get better in.
“We’re very happy with how he’s slotted in with the team. “This week was brilliant because he made his friends now and people know now what expectations and pressure he’s under and everyone now is closer to Danny and see him as part of the team.”