Cipriani ‘hit policeman after row in nightclub’
Danny Cipriani, the England rugby player, was charged last night with assaulting a police officer after an argument in a Jersey nightclub. The 30-year-old fly-half had only been recalled to the national squad in June after years in the international wilderness
DANNY CIPRIANI, the England rugby player, was in police custody last night after being charged with assaulting a police officer after an alleged alcoholfuelled nightclub row with a doorman.
The 30-year-old, known away from the sport for his relationships with Kirsty Gallacher, the television presenter, and Kelly Brook and Katie Price, the glamour models, was accused of common assault, larceny, resisting arrest and being disorderly on licensed premises in Jersey.
He will appear before island magistrates this morning over the reported 1am incident, police confirmed.
A witness told The Sun last night that Cipriani, who had become involved in a “big disagreement”, told police arresting him at the scene: “These wrists are gold – loosen the cuffs.”
The altercation was said to have taken place at The Little Drift nightclub in St Helier where Cipriani had been staying with members of the Gloucester team for their pre-season tour.
It came after Eddie Jones, the England coach, told Cipriani he was on his “last chance” after years in the international wilderness.
Jersey Police said in a statement last night: “This morning 30-year-old Daniel Cipriani was charged with common assault, larceny, assault on police, resisting arrest and being disorderly on licensed premises. He has been remanded in custody until a court appearance at magistrates’ court at 10am tomorrow.”
Gloucester confirmed only that it was aware of the arrest. “The club will make a further announcement in due course,” a statement said.
According to the witness, “Cipriani was in a row after a big disagreement with a bouncer. He wanted to take his drink outside, but wasn’t allowed. An argument broke out, and neither man backed down. Things turned nasty and there was a scuffle as the duo spilt out into the street. Cipriani, looking unsteady on his feet, was detained. Police were called straight away.” Cipriani was described as “relaxed” when police arrived.
The fly-half returned to the England squad for the South African tour in June after 10 years without an international start.
Cipriani’s career has often featured in the news sections of papers as well as in sport. After learning he was not part of the 2015 World Cup squad, he argued with Mike Catt, England’s attack coach. He was marginalised by Martin Johnson, a head coach, before the 2011 tournament, and dropped in 2008 after visiting a nightclub before a match against Scotland. While on club duty at Wasps, he was involved in a scrap at the training ground with teammate Josh Lewsey in 2008. Johan Ackermann, his club’s head coach, said on the club’s website that the trip to Jersey was for training and not quality time.
“But the fact that we are away from the normal routine … that’s the only way you get to know your friends and get closer.” Players yesterday went canoeing as Cipriani remained in the cells.
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