Martin Johnson has paid tribute to the professionalism of Danny Cipriani and has no worries about the star's celebrity lifestyle.
England supremo impressed by fly-half's speedy return from injury
England chief Martin Johnson has paid tribute to the professionalism of Danny Cipriani and insists he has no worries about the Wasps star's celebrity lifestyle.
Cipriani has become something of a media favourite and is no stranger to tabloid attention - especially since he started dating actress and model Kelly Brook over the summer.
Some observers have suggested his off-field activities have distracted him and are in danger of overshadowing his career as a professional rugby player.
However, citing his return from a horrific leg break seven weeks ahead of schedule, Johnson has thrown his weight behind the 20-year-old and claims he has no concerns over his commitment to the game.
"Initially we thought Danny would not be fit before the new year but the guy worked incredibly hard to get himself back," Johnson stated.
"That didn't just happen by accident. Everything I have seen of him suggests he works very hard at being a good rugby player. He doesn't get treated any differently to anyone else here."
Johnson is reported to be considering starting Cipriani at full-back rather than fly-half against the Pacific Islanders on November 8 and feels the Wasps starlet has demonstrated he is fully fit since returning to action with his club side.
"It's a balance because some of the guys have been playing for two or three months and have started to pick up knocks and have injuries," he continued.
"I'll take a few fresh ones. There's plenty of rugby to play. Danny's trained very well and looks good."
Support for Hartley
Johnson also went on to offer his backing to Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley after naming him in his England squad.
The uncapped hooker has come in for criticism of his temperament since picking up a six-month suspension for an eye-gouging incident involving Wasps and England flanker James Haskell and was recently
condemned by Saracens director of rugby Eddie Jones for a high tackle on Moses Rauluni.
But Johnson feels the New Zealand-born front-rower is capable of handling the pressures that come with international rugby.
"I am not concerned about Dylan," he added. "He had a long suspension and he is aware he may have picked up a bit of a reputation but we are not concerned about it.
"We trust him to be involved in the squad. If we didn't trust him then we wouldn't have him here."
