Danny Cipriani bids farewell to English rugby admitting he lived his boyhood dream

Danny Cipriani said goodbye to English rugby's Premiership admitting that playing in it had been the fulfilment of a childhood dream.

Former England fly-half Cipriani formally confirmed he is leaving Bath at the end of the season to close out his mercurial playing career overseas.

The 34-year old lit up more than 200 top flight matches for Wasps, Sale, Gloucester and Bath during an often brilliant 16-year club career. In 2019, whilst at Gloucester, he was voted Premiership and Players' Player of the Year.

“I’ve loved playing in the Premiership, it’s what I dreamed of as a child,” he said. “Thank you for all your support.”

He has started only nine league games this season for Bath, who are bottom of the Premiership enduring the worst season in their history.

“It’s certainly been a challenging season which everyone will learn a huge amount from,” Cipriani said.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t played as much rugby as I would have liked due to covid and injury, however I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my season at Bath particularly working with a talented group of youngsters.

“Thank you to the fans for your continual support and your spirited cheers no matter the weather. It’s never overlooked and always humbling. I feel extremely blessed to have had this experience it’s taught me a lot.

"Orlando [Bailey] with a great work ethic, temperament, and vast array of skills. Max [Ojomoh] has all the ability and talent as well as being a student of the game, a great combination! I’m looking forward to watching them over the years.

“Thank you to the players and the coaching staff for welcoming me. Thank you to everyone at Bath. Thank you to my beautiful wife Victoria; I’m excited for what’s coming and what our future holds.”