Jones insists Cipriani’s England snub is nothing to do with Jersey nightclub crimes

Coach Eddie Jones insists the exclusion of Danny Cipriani from England’s training squad reflects his place in the standoff pecking order.

Despite being England’s starting playmaker in their most recent game against South Africa and producing an excellent opening to the season at Gloucester, Cipriani has been omitted by Jones from the 36-man group who will take part in a three-day training camp in Bristol starting on Sunday.

The 30-year-old was convicted of common assault and resisting arrest and fined a total of £4,000 following an incident outside a nightclub that took place during Gloucester’s pre-season tour to Jersey. But Jones insists it is form and not that indiscretion that counted, with Owen Farrell and George Ford the two stand-offs called up.

“That’s the case, 100 per cent. We’ve decided just to have two stand-offs in the squad for this particular camp because we want them to get a lot of training time,” Jones said.

“At the moment we’ve got Owen and George, who I believe are the first two flyhalves, and then comes Danny.

“Danny’s probably third or fourth choice and he knows what he’s got to work on, which is between Danny and I.

“He’s disappointed but he understands. He’s desperate to play for England, which is terrific.”

Centre Manu Tuilagi makes his first appearance in an England squad in over a year after

0 Danny Cipriani: Omitted.

overcoming a succession of injuries. Serious groin and knee problems have prevented him from making an international start since 2014, his last appearance coming as a replacement against Wales two years ago.

The 27-year-old has started all three of Leicester’s games this season and capped a fine performance against Newcastle with a try.

“It’s the first time in the three years I’ve been in England that Manu’s been fit,” Jones said.

“He’s put together a series of games and we’re looking forward to him continuing on that run. He’s got the opportunity to come in and show us what he’s got.”

Included despite being midway through a seven-week ban for a tip tackle made during Sale’s pre-season victory at Castres is wing Chris Ashton.

Ashton has yet to make a competitive appearance for the Sharks following his summer move from Toulon, but Jones will take a look at the rugby league convert before naming his squad for the autumn series on 18 October .

“It’s a judgment. Selection is a judgment, and my judgment is that Ashton’s going to be important for us in November,” Jones said.