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Warren Gatland has sounded out Danny Cipriani about a potential Lions call-up
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The Kiwi coach gave Cipriani his debut, as a teenager, for Wasps back in 2004
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Cipriani has not started for England since 2008, and is not in the current set-up
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But Gatland insists that he is considering players outside international squads
British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has admitted that Wasps fly-half Danny Cipriani will be considered ahead of the tour to New Zealand.
Gatland worked with Cipriani when he was head coach at Wasps before linking up with Wales and the New Zealander admitted that he had spoken to his former player, adding that while he might be a controversial figure in some quarters, Cipriani has a lot to offer.
Having handed Cipriani his Wasps debut in 2004, the Kiwi coach is considering a reunion with the exiled playmaker who he first mentored as a 17-year-old.
“I’ve spoken to Cipriani,” Gatland told reporters.
“I coached him as a kid. He’s not everyone’s flavour of the month but he has some talent and ability and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t discuss him.
“There are players outside international squads we have mentioned. Maybe their personality is not right or the countries are looking towards 2019 (World Cup).
“But the Lions is different. We have not ruled out anyone.”