Bath and Bristol chasing Cipriani if he’s set to go
DANNY CIPRIANI could remain in the West County next season with Gloucester’s arch rivals Bath and Bristol among seven clubs chasing his services. The England flyhalf moved to Kingsholm from Wasps at the start of this season but has a break clause in the second year of his deal which is worth around £190,000 a season. Bath have been linked with a number of fly-halves since they announced that Rhys Priestland is leaving the Rec when his deal runs out at the end of June. Blindside understands that they have sounded out Cipriani about his plans for next season which would suggest they haven’t landed Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe from Cardiff Blues.
Bristol are also waiting in the wings as are Harlequins, who have also made an approach but need to off-load Demetri Catrakilis before bringing Cipriani back to the capital.
The 31-year-old’s former employers Wasps and Sale are also believed to be interested if he cannot reach an agreement to remain with the Cherry and Whites.
Cipriani had numerous offers from abroad before joining Gloucester where he has been an integral part of Johan Ackermann’s side and he is again attracting interest from France and Japan.
Both Stade Francais and Toulon, who are going through a rebuilding process, are keeping an eye on developments.
Cipriani is likely to make a decision about where he will be playing next season within the next couple of weeks.