Gloucester drops Cipriani bomb
BREAKING NEWS: Danny Cipriani has left English Premiership club Gloucester after falling out of favour this season.
“After much deliberation. I have decided to leave Gloucester,” Cipriani said on his Twitter account.
The club confirmed his departure in a statement on its website.
“Gloucester would like to announce that Danny Cipriani has left the club with immediate effect,” it said.
Gloucester revealed that Scottish international flyhalf Adam Hastings has been signed for the 2021-22 season – as a replacement for Cipriani.
Cipriani, 33, joined Gloucester in 2018, but the England flyhalf has not featured at all this term and has been allowed to leave Kingsholm despite still being under contract.
“I have mixed emotions about it,” said Cipriani.
“I am sad to leave a great club, but I’m excited for the challenges I have ahead.
“I am so proud of what we have built together, and I have enjoyed working with everyone.”
After much deliberation. I have decided to leave Gloucester. I have mixed emotions about it. I am sad to leave a great club, but I’m excited for the challenges I have ahead. I am so proud of what we have built together, and I have enjoyed working with every one 🍒 pic.twitter.com/wAstWaTr14
— Danny Cipriani (@DannyCipriani87) December 15, 2020
Cipriani switched from Wasps to Gloucester in 2018, the year in which he won the last of his 16 England caps.
He scored 128 points in 44 appearances for the Cherry and Whites.
“Danny has been playing at the top of his game for over a decade now, his reputation in the game is undisputed,” said coach George Skivington in the Gloucester statement.
The 33-year-old has not been involved in competitive action for the west country club this term, and Gloucester have been linked with a move for Scotland flyhalf Adam Hastings.
“Whilst I’m sad to be leaving such a great club I know the club is in safe hands for the future under George’s leadership.”
Gloucester said it would like to place “on record” their appreciation for Cipriani’s contribution during his time with the club.
Hastings will join the Cherry & Whites from Glasgow Warriors, where he has been a key player since his arrival at Scotstoun in 2017.
The 24-year-old’s form in Glasgow soon led to international recognition, with Hastings notching up 22 caps, and 96 points in the blue of Scotland over the last three years.
Known for his attacking prowess, the talented flyhalf is set to grace the Premiership when he arrives at Kingsholm in 2021.
“I’m really looking forward to linking up with Gloucester next season,” Hastings said.
“The vision that George & Alex [Brown] presented to me was an opportunity too good to turn down, and I’m eager to play my part in a bright future for the club.
“There’s still plenty more rugby ahead of me this season, but when the time comes, I look forward to pulling on the Cherry & White.”
✍️ Gloucester Rugby are delighted to announce the arrival of Scottish international fly-half Adam Hastings for the 2021-22 season. 🤩
Looking forward to seeing you in Cherry & White, @adamhastings96! 🍒
👇
— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) December 15, 2020
Gloucester Rugby would like to announce that Danny Cipriani has left the Club with immediate effect.
Gloucester Rugby would like to place on record our appreciation for Danny’s contribution during his time with us.
— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) December 15, 2020
