Thursday Round-Up

Delight for Danny: Danny Cipriani was the main benefactor of yesterday’s England Six Nations squad announcement, as Stuart Lancaster opted to bring back in the former pin-up boy of English rugby. Alongside George Ford, Owen Farrell and Stephen Myler, Cipriani is one of four flyhalf representatives in the 34 man squad, having impressed on the domestic front with Sale this season. Elsewhere in the squad, there is an international recall for now 36 year old Nick Easter at number eight, with Gloucester back rower Ben Morgan having been ruled out for the entirety of the tournament. Having not played for his country since the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, Easter’s recall at his age becomes even more impressive, owing to his outstanding form on the domestic front with Conor O’Shea’s Harlequins side. While there were some interesting inclusions in the squad, equally intriguing is the level of high profile absentees. With the likes of Courtney Lawes, Dan Cole, Joe Launchbury, Ben Foden and Manu Tuilagi all sidelined, along with Ben Morgan, English boss Lancaster will have his work cut out to attain the desired results just 9 months out from a home World Cup. England kick off their Six Nations campaign with a trip to the Millennium Stadium to take on Wales.

Chiefs keep Ben: Exeter Chiefs fans are waking to good news this morning, as reports emerge that back row forward Ben White has extended his stay at the club, committing his long-term future to the Chiefs. White, who arrived at Sandy Park back in 2011 from the Cardiff Blues, has appeared on over 80 occasions, scoring an impressive 15 tries in the process. White, who at 31 still has a lot to offer the Chiefs in the Aviva Premiership, said he was delighted all the ins and outs of contract negotiations were finalised quickly and expressed his delight at committing to the club in the long-term. White follows in the footsteps of the likes of Gareth Steenson, Dave Lewis, Ben Moon and Carl Rimmer, all of whom have agreed new deals with the Devon based club.

Ryan Sheady