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09:04 GMT, Monday, 19 May 2008 10:04 UK

Cipriani ruled out for six months

Danny Cipriani

Danny Cipriani is out of England's tour of New Zealand after Wasps confirmed he will miss six months with a fracture dislocation of his right ankle.

The 20-year-old fly-half suffered the injury during Wasps' semi-final play-off victory over Bath on Sunday.

Cipriani was tackled by Olly Barkley and got trapped at the bottom of a ruck in the 49th minute at Adams Park.

He needed oxygen on the pitch before being taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery on his ankle.

The Londoners also saw winger Tom Voyce taken to hospital after he suffered a dislocated shoulder, which medical staff were unable to put back in.

"I will discuss with Rob Andrew and the coaches the candidates to replace Danny"
England team manager Martin Johnson

Cipriani will remain under observation in London's Lister Hospital for the next couple of days while Voyce is expected to be discharged later on Monday.

"When you watch two players being led into an ambulance it certainly takes the edge off a win," director of rugby Ian McGeechan told BBC Radio 5 Live after Wasps' 21-10 victory.

"It would have been great to see him playing in a final but from our point of view he will have the summer to recover and we have to make sure we do everything to get him right for next season."

While Cipriani will definitely miss England's summer tour to New Zealand, he is also a major doubt for the home autumn internationals against Australia, world champions South Africa and the All Blacks - which begin with a clash against the Wallabies at Twickenham on 15 November.

With Jonny Wilkinson also missing the tour after undergoing shoulder surgery, Charlie Hodgson is the only other recognised fly-half currently in the squad, although Barkley - also included - played there for England during the World Cup.

Cipriani's unavailability could see a call-up from the England Saxons squad for Gloucester's Ryan Lamb.

606: DEBATE
"Ryan Lamb showed on Sunday that he is not an adequate replacement for Cipriani "
Borisnorris

England team manager Martin Johnson was present at Adams Park on Sunday and confirmed Cipriani's replacement would be named on Tuesday.

He said: "On behalf of the England summer tour squad we all feel for Danny over the injury he suffered on Sunday.

"The England medical team will be in regular contact with London Wasps over the next few months regarding his rehabilitation and we all wish Danny a speedy recovery.

"I will discuss with Rob Andrew and the coaches the candidates to replace Danny on the summer tour and we will make an announcement tomorrow (Tuesday)."

Stand-in England captain Steve Borthwich, who was also playing for Bath on Sunday, added: "Everybody involved with Bath wishes Danny a tremendously fast recovery.

"Whenever you see a player, an England team-mate, injured like that your heart goes out to them."



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Related to this story:

Wasps 21-10 Bath (18 May 08 |  English )
Gloucester wait on Tindall injury (14 May 08 |  Gloucester )
Borthwick to lead England in NZ (13 May 08 |  English )
Cipriani earns more nominations (12 May 08 |  Rugby Union )
Wilkinson out of New Zealand tour (21 Apr 08 |  English )
Wilkinson lauds Cipriani display (17 Mar 08 |  Rugby Union )
Cipriani lives up to the hype (16 Mar 08 |  Rugby Union )

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