Rugby young-gun Cipriani in line for early return

LONDON (AFP) - Wasps and England stand-off Danny Cipriani could make an earlier than expected return to club action next week following an unexpectedly quick recovery from a major ankle injury.

The 20-year-old playmaker has been on the sidelines since fracturing his ankle against Bath on May 18 but could now make his return against the same opponents when they meet in the English Premiership on October 1.

"It's going to be emotional," Cipriani told the BBC on Wednedsay. "I will have to calm myself as I'll be very excited to play again."

Cipriani's return is welcomes news for Premiership champions Wasps, who have lost their first three league games this season.

Regarded as one of England's most gifted players, there were fears his career might be over when he was trapped at the bottom of a ruck after a tackle by Test team-mate Olly Barkley.

Top-class sport is littered with examples of players who were never quite the same again on the field after a major injury but Wasps boss Ian McGeechan said there was every chance of Cipriani coming back as a better No 10.

"He is probably going to be as quick, if not quicker, and stronger than he was before," said the Scot.

"The mental toughness is going to be there anyway," added McGeechan, who next year will coach the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.

Cipriani was first capped by England during the Six Nations defeat against eventual 2008 Grand Slam winners Wales and made a major impact during his first start against Ireland, where he replaced England rugby icon Jonny Wilkinson.

However, his injury in a play-off match ruled him out of England's wretched tour of New Zealand, where both Tests against the All Blacks were lost.