Cipriani set for early return

Early return: Cipriani is set to be back by November

England and Wasps star Danny Cipriani is hoping to return to action in November, following an injury which could have cost him his career.

The 20-year-old sustained a severe fracture dislocation on his right ankle in May but has been recovering well and has already started kicking and sprinting again.

"It couldn't have gone any better. I'll definitely be in better shape when I'm back," Cipriani told The Telegraph.

"I've been able to have a shoulder operation as well to clear up a niggle, and I'm lifting heavier weights as a result."

The fly-half even attended the four-day England training camp in August despite not planning to feature until the November Test series.

He will now undergo an intensive four-week programme with athletics coach Margot Wells to further his recovery.

This will be overseen by the Wasps physio team, led by Prav Mathema.

"They've all been brilliant," he said.

"I was nervous putting weight on it for the first time, stepping off a box or trampoline to build the strength. And it did feel uncomfortable. But that's what you've got to do."