Cipriani to hit the ground running
Danny Cipriani is ready to hit the ground running when he reports for duty with Sale Sharks next week.
The Sharks' new superstar flyhalf will link up with his new colleagues on Monday, after being released early from his contract with Australian Super Rugby franchise the Melbourne Rebels.
Ahead of his move to Manchester, the 24-year-old has been honing his fitness under the guidance of renowned coach Margot Wells, wife of 1980 Olympic 100-metre gold medallist Allan Wells.
And even before he beds in with his Sale colleagues, Cipriani says he believes the Sharks are on the cusp of establishing themselves as one of English rugby's leading lights.
"There's a real chance of building something at Sale," declared Cipriani.
"I felt a real sense of backing and understanding from owner Brian Kennedy and Steve Diamond.
"I'm 24 and ready to settle down and it starts at Sale. Playing in Australia has made me more determined to show the strings to my bow.
"The only thing is coming to the North I'll have to get used to chips and gravy!"
For his part, Chief Executive Diamond is confident Sale will be the perfect vehicle for Cipriani's huge potential to finally blossom.
"Danny's talent isn't in question. It's a case of getting him settled down and then, hopefully, he can play well for us and his career will take off again," Diamond told the Manchester Evening News
"There's no real risk for him and no real risk for us."
