CIPRIANI SET TO BE IN EDDIE’S SQUAD

DANNY CIPRIANI is likely to be included in england’s official World cup training squad today and survive the biggest cut before the 31 players for the tournament in Japan are named next month.

Gloucester’s prodigious playmaker was recalled by national coach eddie Jones last week, after not appearing at Test level throughout last season, despite the glittering form which led to the 31-year-old claiming the main two Player of the Year awards.

This lunchtime he is expected to be announced in a 38-man group to step up preparations for the global showpiece — thus avoiding the prospect of being among several fringe candidates who will be released back to their clubs.

With the addition of the Saracens and exeter contingents, who have been rested until now, the squad will consist largely of established Test regulars, but there will be some space for fringe candidates.

cipriani ( right) is in that category, as is new back-row sensation alex Dombrandt, although the latest indications were that harlequins’ rookie flanker may miss out this time. There were also unconfirmed reports last night that Lions prop Kyle Sinckler’s condition may be worse than first thought. The 26-year- old tighthead returned to harlequins last week for rehabilitation on a suspected hamstring injury. It was dismissed as a minor setback but there are now doubts about that prognosis. as a precaution, Worcester’s Nick Schonert is likely to be retained as tighthead cover. exeter back Jack Nowell, is also due to be selected, despite the fact that he is recovering from ankle surgery and will not be fit again until late next month or even early September. on that basis, either ollie Thorley or ruaridh Mcconnochie could be retained.