Cipriani may play at full-back for England as Gustard leaves to join Harlequins

Danny Cipriani has been identified as a full-back in the England training squad ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Cipriani features among the 35 players who will prepare for the non-cap international after Wasps were knocked out of the Aviva Premiership playoffs by Saracens on Saturday.

He is present alongside clubmates Nathan Hughes, Elliot Daly, Dan Robson and Joe Launchbury but, intriguingly, is listed as a contender for the No 15 jersey currently held by Mike Brown.

Head coach Eddie Jones views the 30-year-old as an option at full-back but, when previously announcing his squad for next month’s tour to South Africa, had included him among the inside backs.

Cipriani has played the vast majority of his rugby at standoff, where England have the more established George Ford and Owen Farrell.

Meanwhile, Paul Gustard has backed England to win the 2019 World Cup despite leaving Jones’ set-up to become Harlequins’ new head of rugby. Defence specialist Gustard will leave the England ranks after the tour of South Africaand will replace ex-rugby director John Kingston.

Gustard, pictured, has backed England to keep progressing, however, insisting that Jones’ men will still win the World Cup in Japan.

“There’s always change with England and it’s another opportunity for the team to grow,” said Gustard. “It’s brilliant for me, for the opportunity that I’ve got. And I fully believe the team will continue to kick on and improve, and that on 2 November 2019 we’ll lift the World Cup.”

“The opportunity was just too good to turn down,” said Gustard, 42, who will start work at Quins on 1 July. “It wasn’t a job that I went out to seek. I was very happy in my role and in negotiations with the RFU about extending my contract. Then an informal conversation led to where I am today. And I’m unbelievably excited about the opportunity to represent Harlequins.

“Whenever you make a decision you’re always weighing up a lot of things. For me it came down to my career, my choice, my ambition to be a head coach. I believe I’ve been developing a skill set over the last ten to 12 years that has put me in good stead.it’s a difficult thing to walk away from your country, of course it is, but the opportunity to do this was just too good to turn down.”

Jones gave his blessing for Gustard to move to Quins. He said in a statement: “I wish Gussy all the best at Quins. He is a talented young English coach and a very good choice for the role.

“He has made a big contribution to the England coaching team as our defence coach and I’m happy he has this opportunity.”