Cipriani gets his chance to claim

Danny Cipriani views his selection in England’s World Cup training squad as the ultimate justification for his decision to return home after a stint with the Melbourne Rebels.

Cipriani has been given the chance to press his claim for a place in the final 31-strong World Cup party head coach Stuart Lancaster will name for the global showpiece, starting with Sunday’s annual fixture against the Barbarians.

The 27-year-old first five-eighth missed the 2011 World Cup after falling out of favour with Martin Johnson and he subsequently departed overseas for a spell in Super Rugby with the Melbourne Rebels before joining Sale.

“Being in this initial World Cup squad is the dream. I’m in the 50 and that’s a start, now it’s down to me to show my worth in the next three months and argue why I should be picked. It’s the same for everyone,” Cipriani said. “I never lost faith. The reason I came back to England was to try and be a part of this World Cup squad. If I’d lost faith, I’d probably still be in Australia.

“I’ve been through a few England regimes. I loved the Brian Ashton regime because he allowed me to run the side.

“Martin Johnson had a different approach and I was always used a certain way. I could have handled my time then differently though.

“I love being with England at Pennyhill Park now. I’ve known