Cipriani’s World Cup hint after being ruled out for Barbarians

Danny Cipriani was considered to play for the Barbarians against England on Sunday, but the club were told he was unavailable, suggesting that the Gloucester fly-half could be named in England’s World Cup training squad.

“[Cipriani] was unavailable because there are some players that want to play, but they have to be signed off by the unions, or their clubs,” Pat Lam, the Barbarians coach, said.

“Once I talk to the player and they are keen, they have to be signed off. There are just some players that weren’t available, that weren’t allowed to be available. I’m predicting that the ones that weren’t available – and this isn’t guaranteed – you are expecting to see them in their World Cup squads.”

England have yet to name their training squad for the World Cup, with Ireland, Wales and Scotland having already announced enlarged squads containing more than 40 players.

Cipriani, the Gallagher Premiership player of the season, was named man of the match four years ago when playing for England against the Barbarians before missing out on selection for the final 31-man World Cup squad.

Cipriani’s Gloucester team-mate Mark Atkinson is one of only three uncapped players in the Barbarians 23-man squad.

“I was very surprised that Mark was not involved in the England side,” Lam said. “I really wanted to give him an opportunity. It will be great for his development.”

Lam oversaw an emphatic 63-45 win for the Barbarians over England last year. One year on, against an England XV featuring only three capped players, the Bristol Bears director of rugby has opted to load his Barbarians team with experience, including Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler and Bath’s Springbok flanker Francois Louw.

“If anything, this year is tougher because of the expectation,” Lam admitted. “England are third or fourth choice but there are some class players in there that will have big international futures.

“I’ve reminded the players that we have all been on their side, when you are the underdogs and no one gives you a chance and you come out and win. The expectation emphasises how much of a team we have to be.”