Cipriani vows to keep feet on ground

Mar 20 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

DANNY CIPRIANI yesterday vowed his love of rugby will prevent him from being distracted by the intense scrutiny that has descended since wowing Twickenham.

A headline act in England’s 33-10 Six Nations victory over Ireland on Saturday has ensured Cipriani’s life will never be the same again.

The 20-year-old has become the new darling of English rugby and one of the game’s hottest properties, despite having made a solitary Test start.

Aside from his remarkably composed display against Ireland, his good looks, confidence and brushes with the tabloids have also seen his public profile rocket.

But Cipriani insisted his single-minded devotion to rugby will ensure the trappings of success will remain firmly in the background.

“I’m going to have to find the balance, but I’ll stay focused on my rugby,” he said at today’s launch of Rugby Expo 08.

“Initially I started playing as a fan, then continued because I enjoyed it and now I’m doing it professionally.

“It’s my job and it’s what I need to be focused on mostly. I’ll never get away from that. The fact things have gone quite well is just going to make me work even harder now. I want to improve.

“As soon as you lose sight of what your main focus is, which is playing rugby, that’s when things go downhill.

“The last 48 hours have been pretty busy. These are exciting times.

“But, like anything, good or bad, I have to leave Saturday in the past and move on.”

Cipriani acknowledged the personalities at his club Wasps have a key role to play in keeping him grounded.

Director of rugby Ian McGeechan, head coach Shaun Edwards and sprint guru Margot Wells – who works with several Wasps players – will provide crucial guidance.

And Cipriani revealed it is Wells’ reaction should he step out of line that he fears most.

“I’ve got a lot of people around me to make sure I don’t get carried away. Wasps have a massive part to play in that,” he said.

“I’m sure that if I stepped out of line Margot would quickly hit me back into line.”