DUBAI // Danny Cipriani is fully "in control of his own destiny" despite the spiralling interest in his private life, according to the former England winger David Duckham. Cipriani, 20, has been the subject of increasing media scrutiny in recent times since he started dating the British model and actress Kelly Brook.He had his wings clipped at training this week when he was floored by one of his Wasps teammates, the World Cup-winner Josh Lewsey.
The incident raised concerns that Cipriani is getting above his station and allowing his off-field persona to jeopardise his on-field performances. However, the former British and Irish Lions star Duckham believes Cipriani can handle the limelight. "Very quickly he has become a very high-profile player," said Duckham, who was a guest speaker at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Long Lunch today.
"Perhaps in the main that is because he has replaced the man in possession, namely Jonny Wilkinson. "He was the star of the team, now Cipriani has taken over his mantle. I think he has the personality that can ride all this, and take it in his stride. From what I have heard about him, he is very much in control. "He is a professional rugby player and wouldn't allow himself to do that, knowing he would get found out anyway. He is very much in control of his own destiny."
Duckham concedes that Cipriani, who has started just one Test match so far in his career, has a celebrity status which far exceeds his achievements on the rugby field. "There has been a lot of press about him, and he is a very gifted player," added Duckham, who scored 10 tries in his 36 Test England career. "He has only played one international, and they are already hailing him as a world beater. "They need to give the guy a chance. He is coming back from what was a really serious injury, but he has made his mark - on and off the field.
"These guys are professional sportsmen, and that is what matters most to them because it is their livelihood. "Yet they are entitled to a life, and if he [Cipriani] wants to go to some of the more popular clubs in London, why not? "I don't think it does the game any harm at all. It doesn't give it a bad name, and certainly doesn't tar everyone with the same brush. He's a high-profile individual, good luck to him."
Duckham cannot recall two teammates being involved in a scuffle in his own playing days, and puts it down to the extra intensity of the professional game in the modern era. "We played as amateurs," he said. "We took the game seriously, but probably not as seriously as today, because we had another life. The game was never as intense as that in the amateur days. "Apparently they [Lewsey and Cipriani] made it up over the phone later on.
"Things like that don't surprise me - it is a very physical game these days. It has never been more so than it is now. "Although they are not competing in the same position at their club, I can understand how things get a little over-the-top, but I don't thing it will be a serious thing. "You rarely read about things like that, but because it was about Cipriani it got the headlines. It clearly wasn't a serious thing and they have kissed and made up." @Email:pradley@thenational.ae
