Cipriani is right fit for Bath – Hooper

Blue, Black & Whites director of rugby hails signing of ex-Gloucester playmaker

DANNY Cipriani’s arrival on an extended one-year contract will move Bath Rugby closer to winning silverware, according to director of rugby Stuart Hooper.

Fly-half Cipriani will arrive at the Recreation Ground in May and, while he will be available for the closing stages of the current campaign, his priority will be shaping the attack for the 2021/22 season.

The 2019 players’ player of the year departed Gloucester Rugby by mutual consent in December and, after a short break from the game, has signed for his fourth Gallagher Premiership club.

And while he will act as Bath’s first choice fly-half when Rhys Priestland joins Cardiff at the end of the current season, he will also be entrusted with nurturing emerging talent such as 19-year-old Blue, Black & Whites playmaker Orlando Bailey.

“We’ve watched lots of Danny’s games, watched him live many times. I’ve played against him and also met with him. He’s been on the radar for a long time,” Hooper said.

“His skill-set has been evident to see across all the different teams he’s played for. To compliment what we’ve got, and develop what we’ve got, he’s absolutely the right person for us now.

“The experience side of things was really important for us. If you look at the demographic of our squad, we’ve brought the age down considerably over the last three years.

“It’s important there’s age, yes, but experience as well.

“Whenever we recruit someone in a key position – ten being one of them – I always see part of their role is a legacy effect. How can they make