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Monday, 9 May 2011

Cipriani omitted from Rebels tour

Danny Cipriani has been left out of the Melbourne Rebels touring party for two Super 15 rugby matches in South Africa.


The 23-year-old "stood down" for Friday's defeat against Queensland after breaking an agreement not to stay out late after a match the week before.


"Following meetings between players, coaches and management, it was decided he will not travel," a statement read.


But Richard Kingi, who also missed the Reds game for the same breach of discipline, has returned to the squad.


Cipriani became Melbourne's first major signing for their inaugural season in Super 15 and had hoped to revive his England career, having reportedly fallen out with national manager Martin Johnson.


But in February, the former Wasps star was fined by the Rebels for taking a bottle of vodka from a nightclub bar without paying.


Cipriani had promised he would stand down for "an appropriate period of time" if he breached team disciplinary protocols again and did just that after staying out late after a defeat to the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney on April 30.


"Danny will train with the other non-touring players over the next two weeks and will continue his community engagement with local clubs and schools during this time," the team statement added.


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