Surprise as stand-off Cipriani misses out on England’s pre-world Cup camp

Danny Cipriani is a surprise omission from England’s 38-man squad for their preworld Cup camp in Treviso.

Cipriani was included among the 35 players originally selected in Eddie Jones’ training group on 4 July but the Gloucester stand-off did not travel to Italy yesterday.

For last week’s gathering in Bristol, Cipriani was one of threeplayersalongsideanthony Watson and Sam Underhill separated from the main squad in order to undertake “specialised strength and conditioning work”. Watson and Underhill, however, have been picked for Treviso.

Cipriani, pictured, is not injured, with the Rugby Football Union stating he is victim of Jones’ fluid approach to selection before naming his final squad on 12 August. However, it is understood that the reigning players’ player of the year and Premiership player of the year has not been given an explanation by Jones for being left out, instead just being told he is not going to Italy.

With all of England’s frontline players included, his omission is a blow to his hopes of participating in the global showpiece.

Also missing from the 12-day warm weather camp is Ben Moon, but his loosehead rival Joe Marler is present following his return from international retirement. The exclusion of Moon points to Marler and Ellis Genge supporting Mako Vunipola in the position when the final squad is named. Mike Brown continues his unexpected return to the the fold that began in Bristol a week ago by earning a spot on the plane. Brown appeared destined to miss the tournament in Japan that begins on 20 September when he was overlooked for the original training squad, but has unexpectedly forced his way back into Jones’ plans.

“Selection is absolutely challenging, we have left some good players doing work at their clubs and they must be ready if called up,” Jones said.

“Trevisoisahardyardscamp with conditions similar to Tokyo. Team training will be about being adaptable and off the field enjoying each other’s company.”

Former Wales and Lions wing Shane Williams believes the World Cup will be poorer for the absence of Cipriani if Jones overlooks him.

“I’m not surprised that he’s been left out because, with Eddiejones,anythingcanhappen,” said Williams, an ambassador for World Cup 2019 host cities Osaka and Kobe.

“Danny is such an exciting player but does he fit into the Owen Farrell and Eddie Jones way?

“I’m not sure but he’s a player who can win you games. It’s a shame because he’s been asked to go away and work on his game. He’s done that and proved he’s a world-class player, but he may not get the chance now.”