Cipriani earns England callup for tour to South Africa

Danny Cipriani has been included in a senior England squad for the first time under Eddie Jones, with the Wasps fly-half also being considered at full-back.

Cipriani will travel to South Africa next month as part of a 34-man group three years after winning the last of his 14 caps and a decade since making his most recent Test start.

The 30-year-old’s sparkling form for Wasps prompted Sir Clive Woodward to state it would be an “utter disgrace” if he were to be overlooked for the series against the Springboks.

Jones has shelved his previous misgivings over Cipriani’s attitude in a team environment to present him the chance to stake his claim 16 months out from the World Cup.

Jones had previously stated that Cipriani could only be included in a squad as a firstchoice fly-half, a scenario that would have been unlikely due to the presence of Owen Farrell and George Ford.

“Life is full of contradictions. Three games ago I was the best thing that ever happened to English rugby, and now I am the worst thing that ever happened to English rugby,” Jones said.

More controversial than Cipriani’s return is the decision to pick flanker Brad Shields – one of eight uncapped players among the 34 – despite the Hurricanes captain being midway through the Super Rugby season.

Shields was born and raised in New Zealand but has never been capped by the All Blacks and qualifies for England through his parents.

Meanwhile, back row James Haskell is among the players who have been rested.

Farrell is to captain the squad in the absence of Dylan Hartley, who misses the tour because of concussion, and Billy Vunipola has been selected despite his struggle with a hamstring injury.

Jones has strengthened his coaching team for the tour with the addition of Scott Wisemantel, a 48-year-old Australian, as attack consultant.

Danny Cipriani won the last of his 14 caps three years ago.