Cipriani staying at Sale

 

Cipriani said: "I'm really thrilled about signing the new deal and looking forward to the future."

 

The 27-year-old flyhalf has rejected the advances of French giants Toulon to instead commit his future to Sale Sharks in what is a massive boost for Steve Diamond's side.

 

In signing his new deal, Cipriani has become the 10th player to agree to a new deal at Sale but confirmation of his renewal is unquestionably the most significant.

 

Cipriani, who first burst onto the national stage as a teenager with Wasps, has made a huge impact at Sale since joining from Melbourne Rebels in the summer of 2012 and his superb form over the past 18 months has seen him earn a deserved recall to the England set-up.

 

After impressing on the tour to world champions New Zealand last summer where he made two Test appearances, the flyhalf then marked his first Six Nations appearance in seven years last weekend by coming off the bench to score a superb try in England's 47-15 win over Italy.

 

Given his fine form and mercurial talent, Cipriani had emerged as a key target for Toulon who were prepared to offer him a king's ransom to persuade him to cross the Channel and play in France's Top 14 on a lucrative salary.

 

Two of Sharks Premiership rivals had also made enquiries about luring him away from the North West with big-spending Championship Bristol also hovering in the background.

 

However, Cipriani has relished living in Manchester where he has been allowed to quietly go about his work without the media frenzy that accompanied him when he was living in London and playing for Wasps.

 

In the wake of signing his new deal, Cipriani will be back in Sale colours on Saturday for their crucial Premiership clash against Saracens at the AJ Bell Stadium, having been released to play in the game by England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

 

And the flyhalf revealed he was happy to have finally concluded talks which first began before Christmas and commit his long-term future to the Sharks.

 

"I am delighted to have put pen to paper at last and signed the new deal," said Cipriani.

 

"We've got some great young talent at the club with players like Mike Haley, Will Addison, Tommy Taylor, Ross Harrison and Josh Beaumont all having really come to the fore over the past year or so.

 

"It's a quality set-up and the future looks great at the club with some exciting times ahead.

 

"One of the main reasons I signed the new deal was that we've got a tight squad and it embraces new talent.

 

"It's also an environment that makes you feel very welcome so, as I say, I'm really thrilled about signing the new deal and looking forward to the future."