Cipriani to leave Bath in search of a fresh challenge in new country

Danny Cipriani has announced that he will leave Bath at the end of the season amid interest from the LA Giltinis, the reigning champions of Major League Rugby in the United States.

In an Instagram post yesterday, Cipriani confirmed that he would be bringing the curtain down on his career on these shores.

“My last couple games in England are fast arriving! I’ve decided to move on to experience a new country and make great memories with my family.”

It is understood that various clubs in Japan and France are also in discussions with the 34-year-old, who would appear an ideal replacement for former Australia playmaker Matt Giteau in Los Angeles. Giteau, a veteran of 103 caps for the Wallabies, returned for the 2022 season with the Giltinis at the age of 39.

Chris Robshaw and Ben Foden, like Cipriani both former England internationals, have sampled the Stateside club scene.

Cipriani burst on to the first-team scene as a prodigiously gifted teenager in 2006 and won 16 caps for England between 2008 and 2018, scoring 64 points.

Among his last contributions at Test level was a grubber-kick that set up Jonny May’s match-winning try against the Springboks at Newlands in June 2018 – England’s first victory in South Africa for 18 years.

He had two spells at Wasps and also represented Melbourne Rebels, Sale Sharks and Gloucester.

Cipriani has managed 13 Premiership appearances this season since moving across the West Country from Kingsholm, with injury and illness disrupting his campaign, which has been a difficult one for Bath. “Over the years I’ve accrued some amazing, loyal supporters,” Cipriani’s post continued. “I’m grateful. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”