England call-up persuaded Cipriani to stay at home
The 30-year-old mercurial utility back – who will bid to add to his 14 Test caps – told Press Association Sport he had been contemplating a move abroad but held off until Eddie Jones last week announced his squad for the three-test tour to South Africa.
A move abroad would have ended Cipriani's hopes of representing his country as England only pick home-based players.
He has previous experience of plying his trade abroad having played for Super Rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels during the 2011/12 campaign.
"I was waiting on a possible England call-up," said Cipriani.
"It definitely wasn't expected and it happened and obviously made the decision for me to stay in England.
"That's not to say I was definitely going to go abroad if it didn't happen, but it was something I was looking at.
"It was a difficult position, having to keep putting clubs off, and it kept happening. So it was very timely and I'm very grateful for the call-up."
Cipriani, whose standout performances for Wasps have earned him a nomination for Premiership player of the season, revealed he was convinced to join Gloucester by head coach Johan Ackermann and Director of Rugby David Humphreys.
"I decided on Gloucester after meeting with David and Johan and hearing the vision they have for the squad and what they're building there," he said.
"It is definitely exciting and something that I feel is going to be a great challenge for next season."
Agence France-Presse
