Cipriani: 'I'm not a celebrity'

Danny Cipriani insisted his rugby career is not being hampered by a “celebrity lifestyle”, after he was dropped by England for this weekend’s final autumn Test against New Zealand.

Cipriani, 21, has paid the price for his role in England’s crushing 42-6 defeat to South Africa and been moved to the bench – with Toby Flood taking over at fly-half.

Martin Johnson made two further changes, Michael Lipman replacing Tom Rees on the openside flank and Nick Kennedy returning to the second row for injured lock Tom Palmer.

Cipriani struggled in the defeat to Australia and then endured a wretched afternoon against South Africa.

Later that night, Cipriani was photographed leaving a nightclub – having been out to celebrate girlfriend Kelly Brook’s birthday.

Asked whether he would have to curb his celebrity lifestyle, Cipriani said: “There is no celebrity lifestyle.

“It is an easy stick to beat me with. It was my girlfriend’s birthday. You still have to enjoy yourself.

“Every one of the guys will have been out one way or another. I didn’t drink. Just because I was photographed doesn’t make me a celebrity. I am just very lucky to have a gorgeous girlfriend.”

Cipriani admitted he would have dropped himself from the England team following his performance against the Springboks last weekend.

But his confidence remains unaffected, and he is still determined to become the best fly-half in world rugby.

“If I was coach I would have made the same decision,” said Cipriani. “Against South Africa, I didn’t make it easy for him to pick me again."