Award boost for Cipriani

Danny Cipriani was finally given something to smile about three days after suffering a badly broken ankle, when he was voted young player of the year by his fellow professionals.

Cipriani beat Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care and Wasps team-mate James Haskell to be awarded the Nick Duncombe Memorial Trophy at Wednesday night's Professional Rugby Players' Association gala dinner.

"I am privileged to have been nominated for both players' awards. To have been voted the PRA Mercedes-Benz young player of the year by my fellow players is a huge honour and it means a lot to me," Cipriani said.

The 20-year-old Wasps fly-half was not able to collect his award in person after suffering a dislocated fracture of his right ankle in Sunday's Guinness Premiership semi-final win over Bath.

The injury was a wretched way for Cipriani to end a glittering season, in which he ousted Jonny Wilkinson as England fly-half and earned unprecedented nominations in both main categories for the PRA and Guinness Premiership awards.

The PRA player of the year award was won by Cipriani's Wasps team-mate Riki Flutey, with Bath centre Olly Barkley in second place and Gloucester winger James Simpson-Daniel third.

"It wouldn't have been possible without the talented players around me and the continued advice and support from the excellent coaches and management at Wasps throughout the year," Cipriani added.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Wasps, Bath, England and the supporters for your help and support since Sunday.

"I am determined to come back from the injury a better player, both physically and mentally."