Danny Cipriani hopes for England recall

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Cipriani seeks England return

Danny Cipriani has reiterated his desire to force his way back into the England squad.

The 24-year-old, whose last England cap was in November 2008, has spent this year in Australia trying to resurrect his career with Melbourne Rebels.

On Saturday he will play for the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham as he looks to stake a claim for an international recall.

"I'd love to get the opportunity with England again," said the fly-half.

"There's a great amount of talent in this country for England to progress with and move forward. A lot of the players who were at the World Cup are still going to be there in 2015 [for the World Cup in England].

"There are a lot of good players we can grab and make sure we use them to the best of our ability.

"The main thing for me going away was to improve all the things that meant I wasn't being selected for the national side at the time.

"Instead of trying to dismiss those points it was to take them on board and that's what I've been doing with the Rebels."

Cipriani has been out of favour with England since a disastrous performance against South Africa in November 2008, when England lost 42-6 at Twickenham.

Outgoing England manager Martin Johnson made it clear that he would not select Cipriani if the player moved to the southern hemisphere, and was true to this throughout his reign, which ended with the 41-year-old's resignation last week.

However, Cipriani refused to criticise Johnson, instead suggesting he faced a difficult task with the national side.

"Taking on the head job of any organisation is always going to be tough. Whether it's in sport or not, there is going to be a lot of pressure on your shoulders," said Cipriani.

"If there are people not around you helping or if it's the first time you're doing a massive job like that it's going to be difficult. But with his winning percentage and winning the Six Nations you can't look back at his time too badly."

"It's a cut-throat business sport. He decided to move on for his reasons, you have to respect that and just see who the next coach is."

Cipriani is relishing what he describes as a "once in a lifetime opportunity" at Twickenham on Saturday.

"I get to play at Twickenham again in front of a big crowd for the Barbarians, which is such an honour, especially when you look at the squad we've selected," added Cipriani.

"To play with the likes of Bryan Habana, Richard Kahui, and have Graham Henry coach you as well...

"We're playing against high quality opposition so I'm looking forward to it."

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