Hipkiss replaces Cipriani

Updated 13.28 Tue May 20 2008
Keywords: leicester tigers, dan hipkiss, martin johnson, london wasps, danny cipriani, rob andrew, wasps, rugby, england rugby, rugby union, sport

Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss has been called into the England rugby union squad as a replacement for injury victim Danny Cipriani.

Hipkiss has played for England six times since making his debut against Wales last August but he was left out of Martin Johnson's original 32-man squad for the tour of New Zealand.

"It will be a very tough and challenging environment" - Dan Hipkiss

Cipriani fractured and dislocated his right ankle while playing for Wasps against Bath on Sunday.

Hipkiss said: "I obviously cannot help but feel for Danny and the injury he has suffered, and my thoughts are with him.

"However, this gives me a chance to tour New Zealand and it will be a very tough and challenging environment.

"The Rugby World Cup last year will hold me in good stead and it is an opportunity I am looking forward to."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.