Cipriani wins player of the year award

England stand- off Danny Cipria ni has been voted Rugby Players’ Association player of the year for 2019 following an outstanding debut season at Gloucester.

Cipria ni amassed the most votes from his fellow professionals and becomes only the third person, alongside Jonny Wilkinson and Christian Wade, to be recognised having previously won the young player award.

The 31- year-old has master minded Gloucester’ s march into the Premier - ship play-offs, an achievement that had eluded the club since 2011, after leaving Wasps last summer.

For all his dazzling form and assured game management – in a season marred by injury, a three-week ban for a high tackle and a fine incurred for a nightclub incident – Cipriani has been unable to reclaim his England place.

Gloucester enjoyed further success when their wing Ollie Thorley, 22, was crowned young player of the year.