Once a tool, always a tool

**Burgs** · 09-05-11, 08:18

Cipriani facing the sack as Rebels banish him from South Africa tour

Greg Growden
May 9, 2011

DANNY CIPRIANI is in serious danger of being sacked by the Melbourne Rebels after just one season after the former England Test five-eighth was overlooked for the two-match tour of South Africa.

The Rebels could not find a spot for their biggest signing in the 26-man touring squad, and said in a statement that Cipriani would remain in Melbourne, where he ''will train with the other non-touring players over the next two weeks and continue his community engagement with local clubs and schools''.

The Rebels said the decision not to take Cipriani to South Africa, where the Rebels will play the Bulls in Pretoria and Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, followed meetings with players, coaches and management.

It is known that Rebels officials are seriously concerned about the recent behaviour of Cipriani, who was stood down for Friday night's match against the Reds in Melbourne following a late night in Sydney the previous weekend.

After the first-round match against the Waratahs, Cipriani was accused of stealing a bottle of vodka from a Melbourne nightclub.

Although the Rebels were warned of the player's behavioural problems before signing him, Rod Macqueen maintained Cipriani would fit into the team's culture. However, the coach has struggled to keep Cipriani under control, and the relationship between the pair is fragile. Several other provinces are well aware of Cipriani's lack of confidence in Macqueen.

It has been speculated for some time that Cipriani will leave the Rebels on his own accord after just one season, and he was linked to the Waratahs recently following discussions with a NSW official. However, the Waratahs are adamant they do not want him.