Cipriani to make Gloucester debut despite impending RFU hearing

Danny Cipriani has been named in Gloucester’s starting XV for Thursday’s pre-season game against the Dragons despite the fly-half facing a Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary hearing on Wednesday.

Last week, the England international pleaded guilty to charges of common assault and resisting arrest following an incident at a Jersey nightclub.

Cipriani was fined £2,000 and made to pay £250 compensation, before Gloucester also docked him £2,000 and ordered him to undertake community service.

The club expressed their “surprise and disappointment” after Cipriani was hit with a further charge by the RFU – one of “conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game”, which the Rugby Players Association has called to be dropped.

However, the RFU has pressed ahead with its case and Cipriani faces a hearing at 18:30 local time on Wednesday, just over 24 hours before he is due to make his Gloucester debut at Kingsholm.

 Your Cherry and Whites for Thursday night!

Excited #glawsfamily? #GLOvDRA pic.twitter.com/sY4uOhiUR6

— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) August 22, 2018

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