Danny Cipriani: Ex-England fly-half retires from professional rugby

Former England fly-half Danny Cipriani has retired from professional rugby, saying it is a "sobering but also freeing moment".

Cipriani, 36, has not played since 2022 and although he had been "semi-retired" he said "in my mind I left it open".

He won 16 England caps and had stints at Wasps, Melbourne Rebels, Sale Sharks, Gloucester and Bath.

"Messaging my agent as I sit outside Costa, I realised I don't want to play again," he wrote on social media.

"Sobering but also freeing moment."

Cipriani left Bath at the end of the 2022 season and turned out for the Barbarians that year.

He made his England debut as a 20-year-old in 2008, but was in and out of the squad over the next decade with his final cap coming in 2018. He did make then England boss Eddie Jones' training squads before the 2019 World Cup but failed to make the final selection.

Cipriani excelled in the Premiership and in 2019 was voted Player of the Year by the Rugby Players Association while at Gloucester.

His career also had its controversial moments such as being hit by a bus on a team night out and being fined after admitting an assault during a pre-season tour of Jersey.

He has also spoken out about his battles with mental health.

"Thank you to all the coaches I've had, taken lots away from each one of you," he added. "All the staff at every club who are always the greatest mix of personalities, thank you for often being the heartbeat of the club.

"To the supporters who turned up and wore their heart on their sleeves, thank you for showing love throughout my career, special memories from all the fans of each team I played at.

"To all my team-mates I played with, man I loved it, I know sometimes I could be relentless, we did have some fun out there though.

"Learnt so much throughout my career and when I reflect, I'm grateful for every moment. Anyway, from a semi-retired now officially retired ex-rugby player. I couldn't be more excited for right now, and what's in store in the future."