Advertisement

Danny Cipriani pleads guilty to assault after Jersey nightclub row with doorman

Danny Cipriani's teammate Ruan Ackermann posted a picture on Instagram of the smiling fly-half hours before the incident, with the caption
Danny Cipriani's teammate Ruan Ackermann posted a picture on Instagram of the smiling fly-half hours before the incident, with the caption

England rugby star Danny Cipriani has pleaded guilty at Jersey Magistrates'  Court to charges of common assault and resisting arrest following an incident in  a nightclub on the island. 

The 30-year-old, known away from the sport for his relationships with Kirsty Gallacher, the television presenter, and Kelly Brook and Katie Price, the glamour models, was accused of common assault, larceny, resisting arrest and being disorderly on licensed premises in Jersey.

He appeared before island magistrates Thursday morning over the reported 1am incident, and pleaded guilty to two of the charges.

Cipriani was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £250 compensation, reportedly to a female police officer whose neck he bruised. 

Teammate Ruan Ackermann posted a picture on Instagram of the smiling fly-half hours before the incident, with the caption "Having a few brother".

A witness told The Sun Wednesday night that Cipriani, who had become involved in a "big disagreement", and claims he told police arresting him at the scene: "These wrists are gold - loosen the cuffs."

The altercation was said to have taken place at The Little Drift nightclub in St Helier where Cipriani had been staying with members of the Gloucester team for their pre-season tour.

Cipriani, right in dark t-shirt, with his Gloucester teammates in Jersey
Cipriani, right in dark t-shirt, with his Gloucester teammates in Jersey

It came after Eddie Jones, the England coach, told Cipriani he was on his "last chance" after years in the international wilderness.

Jersey Police said in a statement last night: "This morning 30-year-old Daniel Cipriani was charged with common assault, larceny, assault on police, resisting arrest and being disorderly on licensed premises.

He has been remanded in custody until a court appearance at magistrates' court at 10am tomorrow." Gloucester confirmed only that it was aware of the arrest.

"The club will make a further announcement in due course," a statement said.

According to the witness, "Cipriani was in a row after a big disagreement with a bouncer. He wanted to take his drink outside, but wasn't allowed.

"An argument broke out, and neither man backed down. Cipriani, looking unsteady on his feet, was detained. Police were called straight away."

How Danny Cipriani forced his way back into the England reckoning
How Danny Cipriani forced his way back into the England reckoning

Cipriani was described as "relaxed" when police arrived.

The fly-half returned to the England squad for the South African tour in June after 10 years without an international start.

Cipriani's career has often featured in the news sections of papers as well as in sport.

After learning he was not part of the 2015 World Cup squad, he argued with Mike Catt, England's attack coach.

He was marginalised by Martin Johnson, a head coach, before the 2011 tournament, and dropped in 2008 after visiting a nightclub before a match against Scotland.

While on club duty at Wasps, he was involved in an argument at the training ground with teammate Josh Lewsey in 2008.

Johan Ackermann, his club's head coach, said on the club's website that the trip to Jersey was for training and not quality time.

"But the fact that we are away from the normal routine ... that's the only way you get to know your friends and get closer." Players yesterday went canoeing as Cipriani remained in the cells.