Plea over Danny Cipriani

Ian McGeechan, the Wasps director of rugby, is to seek a special dispensation from England team manager Martin Johnson to allow Danny Cipriani to play three games in a week.

A deal between the clubs and the Rugby Football Union limits the appearances of members of the elite player squad and, as a result, Cipriani should miss Sunday's match with Newcastle having played against Saracens last week and in last night's 22-14 loss at Bath.

However, Dave Walder, the Wasps back-up No10, is out for the rest of the season after knee surgery, leaving the defending champions short of cover.

McGeechan said: "I have a good working relationship with Martin Johnson and I will have a chat about this with him."