Danny Cipriani to leave Bath at end of season with US likely destination

Danny Cipriani has revealed his career in England will be over at the end of the season when he will leave Bath. The 34-year-old has announced he intends to move abroad after his only season at the Rec but could yet extend his playing career in the United States, France or Japan.

Cipriani has struggled to make an impact on the pitch for Bath this season, making only eight starts having joined from Gloucester after an extended break from the game. His impact off the field, however, was recently lauded by the Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper, who tipped the fly-half to make the transition into coaching.

“My last couple games in England are fast arriving!!! I’ve decided to move on to experience a new country and make great memories with my family,” Cipriani wrote on Instagram. “Over the years I’ve accrued some amazing loyal supporters. I’m grateful. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you.”

Should Cipriani opt to continue playing he will not be short of suitors and a move to the US – following in the footsteps of Chris Robshaw and Ben Foden – would seem an obvious fit considering he has spent time in Malibu for warm-weather training. Regardless, after Saturday’s west country derby against Gloucester he has just two more matches in which to appear before the curtain comes down on his career in England.

Cipriani will leave, having enjoyed two spells at Wasps and one at Sale as well as his time at Gloucester and Bath but with a sense of promise unfulfilled on the international stage. He won only two caps under Eddie Jones, both on the 2018 tour of South Africa, and 16 in total having made an unforgettable debut against Ireland in 2008 that suggested he should win countless more.