ENGLAND

Double nomination for Cipriani

Wednesday 07th May 2008

And the winner is...

Danny Cipriani has been nominated in both main categories for this year's Professional Rugby Players' awards.

Wasps and England fly-half Cipriani is in the running for players' player of the year and top young player.

Cipriani, 20, made a scintillating full England debut during their Six Nations victory over Ireland at Twickenham in March, when he was selected above 2003 World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson.

The players' player section sees two of Cipriani's Wasps colleagues also nominated in wing Paul Sackey and centre Riki Flutey, plus Gloucester wing James Simpson-Daniel and Bath centre Olly Barkley.

In the young player category, Cipriani joins Wasps flanker James Haskell and Leicester forward Tom Croft, in addition to Harlequins pair Danny Care and Chris Robshaw.

"I am really humbled to have been nominated alongside such outstanding players in both categories," said Cipriani.

"While there is still some unfinished business this season, it has been a remarkable year for me, and to be nominated by my fellow players for these awards is a tremendous honour."

The 10th annual PRA awards will be presented in central London on May 21.

"There is a lot of excitement about the bright future for English rugby," said PRA chief executive Damian Hopley.

"This is an opportunity for the PRA and rugby supporters to show our thanks and appreciation to the players for their efforts this season, and to raise some much-needed funds for deserving player causes."