Gatland rues ill-informed Cipriani
Author: Josh Antmann
Posted on:22 October 2010 - 11:35
Category:Rugby Union
Wales head coach Warren Gatland believes Danny Cipriani’s unfulfilled talent and underwhelming career to date, is perhaps a result of too many people close to the player giving him the wrong advice.
Gatland, who recently signed a four year contract extension with the WRU, believes the 22-year-old has had “a bit of an easy ride”, when perhaps the youngster’s fledgling career would have been better served toughing “it out a bit”.
Despite initially being tipped as the future of English rugby, the Roehampton born fly-half has endured a torrid few years in the game with injury and loss of form.
Cipriani recently flew out to join his new Melbourne Rebels’ teammates, but with the 2011 World Cup less than a year away, Cipriani has little time to impress and Gatland suggests a different approach would have helped a player with undoubted talent.
Speaking at the Tourism New Zealand ‘One year to go to the rugby World Cup’ event, Gatland, who signed Cipriani for Wasps when he was a schoolboy, said: “I would have taken a different approach with Danny because he’s one of the most talented players I’ve seen.
“I think too many people tried to take him under their wing and try to give him advice, pat him on the back and say they’d look after him.
“I think what needed to happen with Danny Cipriani was front him up at training, put him on the pitch and try to break him. Just to see if he could handle the pressure.
“Instead he’s taken the step to walk away from it. I think he’s had a bit of an easy ride to an extent, I think he needed to tough it out a bit.”
Talking at the same event was England hooker Phil Vickery, a former teammate of the mercurial youngster at Adams Park, who suggested Cipriani’s decision to move abroad might make him a better player and perhaps pertinently a more rounded individual.
“As an old man seeing a young man with more talent then I could have ever of dreamt of, then of course I’d want to see him play again for England. Because he’s the kind of player that can do things which some guys can’t, he’s just so gifted.” The former England captain said.
“Danny for whatever reason has moved on and I personally think he’s made the right decision and gone away and hopefully he’ll come back a much better player and more importantly a much better person.
“I don’t doubt his talents but I just hope he comes back in the right frame of mind and plays for England again one day.”
