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 06 July 2008 01:14 BST

Tigers centre Hipkiss named as Cipriani replacement

Tuesday, 20 May 2008 17:28
Centre Dan Hipkiss called into England squad to replace injured fly-half Danny Cipriani
Leicester Tigers centre Dan Hipkiss has been called into the England squad for next month's tour of New Zealand.

The 25-year-old replaces Wasps fly-half Danny Cipriani, who has been forced to withdraw due to a broken and dislocated ankle he suffered during Sunday's Guinness Premiership playoff semi-final victory over Bath.

Hipkiss is not a like-for-like replacement for Cipriani, whose loss at stand-off is likely to be made all the more difficult to bear given that veteran Jonny Wilkinson is also out through injury.

However, England team manager Martin Johnson said he believes the players already in the squad provide ample cover at number ten, allowing him to select an additional centre instead.

"[Elite rugby director] Rob Andrew, the coaches and I discussed suitable candidates for the tour yesterday and we all agreed there was good cover at fly-half with Charlie Hodgson, Olly Barkley and Toby Flood and so we decided to go with Dan," Johnson explained.

"He gives us further options at centre and he has been playing well for Leicester Tigers in recent weeks and deserves his chance."

Hipkiss has six international caps to his name so far, including appearances as a replacement in the World Cup semi-final against France and the World Cup final against South Africa last year.

And the Tigers player said he is looking forward to gaining further exposure to the rigours of international rugby in what is arguably the most gruelling of countries to tour.

"I obviously cannot help but feel for Danny and the injury he has suffered and my thoughts are with him," Hipkiss said.

"However, this gives me a chance to tour New Zealand and it will be a very tough and challenging environment.

"The Rugby World Cup last year will hold me in good stead and it's an opportunity I'm looking forward to."End of story


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