Cipriani replaces Wilkinson in England squad

Danny Cipriani, Michael Lipman and Nick Abendanon have been promoted to England's 32-man elite squad, replacing Jonny Wilkinson, Lewis Moody and Tom Varndell, the RFU announced today.

Cipriani made his return from a fractured and disolcated ankle on October 1 when it had initially been thought he would be out at least until November.

The Wasps youngster's comeback came just 24 hours after Wilkinson had dislocated his kneecap against Gloucester, an injury that looks likely to keep him out for five months.

Under the injury replacement provisions of the RFU/Premier Rugby agreement, Bath skipper Lipman replaces Leicester Tigers flanker Moody, who is recovering from surgery on his left hip and left Achilles tendon.

Lipman’s club colleague Abendanon replaces Varndell who has not featured for the Tigers recently.

All three players were part of the England Saxons squad.

England team manager Martin Johnson said: “The England medical team and I will continue to liaise closely with Jonny and Lewis and their clubs and I wish both of them a speedy recovery. Lewis is getting closer to playing for Leicester Tigers and I look forward to seeing him back in action soon.

“Danny Cipriani has made a good recovery from his injury and returned earlier than expected. He’s performed well since he came back and while there was strong competition from other players I have decided to give Danny the chance to compete for a place in the 22 for the Pacific Islanders match on November 8.

“Michael Lipman was very unlucky not to make the original 32 man Senior EPS squad and he has been playing very well for his club this season.

“I’m disappointed for Tom Varndell but he has not been selected by Leicester recently and we will monitor his form when he starts playing regularly again and competing for a place in the 32 man Senior EPS squad.

“We will make decisions with Stuart Lancaster on players moving into the Saxons squad from outside the original 32 that we announced in July following this weekend’s club matches.”

The 32 man EPS squad will convene at their team base, the Pennyhill Park Hotel, on Sunday October 26 to prepare for the Investec internationals that start on November 8 against the Pacific Islanders.

An RFU statement said : “Any further changes to the squad will be considered subject to players coming through training with their clubs and playing for them in Round 2 of the EDF Energy Cup this weekend.”