Wednesday Round-Up

Lancaster includes Danny: In a somewhat surprising turn of events, it now seems that Sale Sharks flyhalf Danny Cipriani is in line to rekindle his international career with England, having been named in Stuart Lancaster’s 25 man squad for Friday evening’s clash with old rivals Wales. Cipriani, who has led Sale well from the 10 jersey this season, has pipped Northampton Saint flyhalf Stephen Myler to a spot amongst the replacements bench, with George Ford set to start in the absence of Owen Farrell. Elsewhere, veteran back rower Nick Easter has made a comeback to the international fold after a three year hiatus from the game, stretching all the way back to the quarter final stage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Along with Easter and Cipriani, there are welcome returns for the Leicester Tigers trio of Dan Cole, Tom Youngs and Tom Croft, all of whom have recovered from injury in time to be considered for selection this weekend. Saracens loose head Mako Vunipola is also in contention having recovered from a dislocated knee cap, with British and Irish Lions starter Alex Corbisiero set to miss out. Lancaster’s final squad for the clash at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff is expected to be named later on Wednesday.

New Zealand won’t bow: The powers that be in New Zealand rugby circles are refusing to bow from pressure put on them by the British and Irish Lions, to relinquish one of the fixtures in the 2017 tour’s ten game schedule. Recent reports from across European rugby circles have suggested that the 2017 organisers are keen on taking the Lions brand to the United States of America, en route to play against the current world champions. With Nigel Cass, general operations and planning manager for the All Blacks, currently standing firm on the ten game schedule and in the process of identifying host cities for the Lions, it seems unlikely that the Lions’ American fans will get to see the famous red jersey in two years time.

Ryan Sheady