'A sobering moment': England playmaker hangs up his boots

NEWS: England flyhalf Danny Cipriani confirmed his retirement from Rugby Union on Wednesday in a “sobering but also freeing moment”.

Cipriani, capped 16 times by England, had not played since 2022 and was already “semi-retired” before finally deciding to officially hang up his boots.

The 36-year-old’s colourful career included two spells at Wasps, as well as stints at Melbourne Rebels, Sale, Gloucester and Bath.

“Even though I’ve been semi-retired. This is my official announcement,” Cipriani wrote on X.

“I haven’t played for a while, but in my mind I left it open.

“Messaging my agent as I sit outside Costa, I realised I don’t want to play again. Sobering but also freeing moment.”

Even though I’ve been semi retired. This is my official announcement. I haven’t played for a while, but in my mind I left it open. Messaging my agent as I sit outside Costa, I realised I don’t want to play again. Sobering but also freeing moment. Thank you to all the coaches I’ve… pic.twitter.com/a0BIGGSitt

— Danny Cipriani (@DannyCipriani87) January 31, 2024

Cipriani made his England debut in 2008 with his last appearance coming against South Africa in 2018.

There was no disputing Cipriani’s natural talent but off-pitch problems were a common theme of his career.

“Thank you to all the coaches I’ve had, taken lots away from each one of you,” Cipriani wrote.

“To all my teammates I played with, man I loved it, I know sometimes I could be relentless, we did have some fun out there though.

“I learnt so much throughout my career and when I reflect, I’m grateful for every moment.

“Anyway, from a semi-retired now officially retired rugby player. I couldn’t be more excited for right now, and what’s in store in the future!”