Cipriani one of three promoted to England squad

Danny Cipriani has been promoted to England’s elite squad ahead of the Investec autumn internationals as a replacement for injured fly-half Jonny Wilkinson.

Cipriani’s inclusion is one of three changes made by Martin Johnson, with Bath full-back Nick Abendanon and flanker Michael Lipman replacing Leicester’s Tom Varndell and Lewis Moody.

Abendanon’s inclusion provides Johnson with a fresh option in what has become a problem position for the new England manager, while Cipriani is set to compete with Toby Flood for the fly-half jersey.

Cipriani, 20, was left out of Johnson’s original 32-man squad because he was not expected to recover from a fractured dislocation of the ankle in time.

But the Wasps prodigy returned to action on October 1, six weeks ahead of schedule and only 24 hours after Wilkinson suffered yet another injury setback with a dislocated left kneecap.

Johnson said: “Danny Cipriani has made a good recovery from his injury and returned earlier than expected.

“He’s performed well since he came back and while there was strong competition from other players, I have decided to give Danny the chance to compete for a place in the 22 for the Pacific Islanders match on November 8.”

England face Australia at Twickenham a week later before tackling world champions South Africa and Tri-Nations champions New Zealand.

Johnson’s other key selection move was to request permission to replace Varndell, who has fallen out of favour at Leicester, with Abendanon.

The basis of the new club-country agreement is that England can only make like-for-like changes to the original elite squad, named by Johnson on July 1, on the grounds of injury or suspension.

However, there is a list of exceptional circumstances and “in the spirit of co-operation” Johnson’s request to replace a winger with a full-back was accepted by Premier Rugby.

Abendanon has only made one Test start, against France in 2007, but he could solve a major headache for Johnson as neither of England’s original full-back selections are tearing up trees.

Josh Lewsey made a poor start to the season and is now playing for Wasps at outside centre after a spell on the wing, while Mathew Tait has consistently been moved around the Sale back line.

Abendanon’s inclusion also provides Johnson with more licence to consider Tait at outside centre.

Gloucester’s Olly Morgan has arguably been the form English full-back this season and he could now be promoted into the England Saxons squad to replace Abendanon.

Cipriani and Lipman were also moved up from the Saxons and all three replacements will be confirmed after the weekend.

Lipman, the Bath captain, missed out on the original squad but replaces Moody, who is still recovering from surgery to his left hip and Achilles tendon.

Johnson said: “Michael Lipman was very unlucky not to make the original squad and he has been playing very well for his club this season.

“The England medical team and I will continue to liaise closely with Jonny and Lewis and their clubs and I wish both of them a speedy recovery.

“Lewis is getting closer to playing for Leicester Tigers and I look forward to seeing him back in action soon.”