Cipriani leaving to escape negativity

Danny Cipriani is moving to new Australian Super 15 side Melbourne Rebels partly to escape the "negativity" surrounding him in England, where his international career has gone backwards.

The 22-year-old flyhalf, who made a sparkling England debut two years ago but who now cannot even make the training squad, announced last week that he would leave Wasps at the end of the season and join the new franchise. While his departure will be mourned by many in England who appreciate his natural talent and effervescence, elements the national team have lacked for years, manager Martin Johnson has shown little inclination to include Cipriani, usually relegating him to the second-string Saxons side.

"There has been so much negativity surrounding me, from coaches, pundits, all sorts of others. It has been depressing," he told the Sunday Times.

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