Delve facing big decision as lure of Oz remains

RECALLED Wales forward Gareth Delve is weighing up the possibility of joining England castaway Danny Cipriani in Australia next season.

But the lure of new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels threatens to leave Cardiff-born Gloucester captain Delve facing a huge dilemma.

If he follows Cipriani Down Under, it could end all hope of World Cup selection in New Zealand next year.

And having landed his first RBS 6 Nations start against Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday, it would be no surprise if the in-form number eight stayed on British shores – either at Gloucester or possibly Cardiff Blues.

The 27-year-old replaces injured Wales skipper and number eight Ryan Jones in Dublin, while two other changes following a 26-20 loss to tournament favourites France last time out see starts for hooker Matthew Rees and lock Luke Charteris.

Flanker Martyn Williams will celebrate breaking Colin Charvis’ 94-cap record for a Wales forward by leading his country, while Dwayne Peel replaces his fellow British and Irish Lion Mike Phillips – unavailable after suffering a knock last weekend – on the bench.

“I am still in negotiations, but I can clarify that I haven’t signed for anybody,” said Delve.

“I need to make decisions based around the future as much as the present. The World Cup is a huge draw. I have been in the mix for the previous two World Cups and picked up injuries just beforehand.

“These (career) decisions have got to be based around fantastic opportunities that present themselves, but also big sacrifices. Some of these decisions are based around opportunities I will never actually get again, and that is what I am weighing up.

“Certainly, the World Cup and international prospects weigh massively on the side of staying here.

“I have been called into the team this week to perform against Ireland, and if I do that then hopefully there is another chance for me the week after.

“In terms of international aspirations, I spent a long time maybe feeling a bit disappointed that while being involved with the squad for a long time I had never quite got that chance, that start.

“I have got a chance on Saturday that I am hugely looking forward to, and it is a case of looking at everything from a pretty wide angle and seeing what would be the best in the long term for my whole career.”

Cipriani will leave Wasps at the end of this season after agreeing a lucrative two-year deal with Melbourne.

And Delve feels the move could benefit an undoubted talent who has plummeted down England’s fly-half pecking order.

“I did see Danny on Sunday after the Wasps-Gloucester game,” added Delve. “!I think it is a great opportunity for him. He is on the periphery with England, and from his perspective if he is playing well against the likes of (Dan) Carter, (Matt) Giteau and (Morne) Steyn then he is obviously doing something right and he is going to come back a better player.”

Delve’s reappearance in the Wales back row comes during a season when he failed to make coach Warren Gatland’s initial Six Nations squad and arrives the best part of 21 months since he last played Test rugby.

On that occasion, against world champions South Africa, he suffered another serious injury of the type that has blighted his career and would have finished many players.

“At the last count, I think I’ve had pushing about nine operations,” he added. “Knee and shoulder operations were the main ones. ! In terms of long-term injuries you have to keep your mind fresh and keep motivated and then you will come through it. You can get through anything as long as you’ve got that determination.”