England recall for fit-again Cipriani

Danny Cipriani completed his remarkable comeback from injury today when he was drafted into the England squad for the autumn rugby internationals.

The 20-year-old Wasps fly-half was initially expected to be out of action until the New Year after he suffered a fractured dislocation of the ankle at the end of last season.

But he is now set to face the Pacific Islands on 8 November followed by clashes with South Africa, Australia and the world's No1 side New Zealand after returning to the Wasps side earlier this month — six weeks ahead of schedule.

Because of the injury replacement agreement, team manager Martin Johnson was able to bring Cipriani in as a direct replacement for the injured Jonny Wikinson and has also promoted Bath pair Michael Lipman and Nick Abendanon from the England Saxons.

Johnson said: "Danny has performed well for Wasps since he came back and while there was strong competition from other players, I have decided to give him the chance."