Cipriani inspired by Evans` grit

Tuesday 08th July 2008

England fly-half Danny Cipriani has turned to former Wales wing Ieuan Evans for advice as he plans his return from long-term injury.

The 20-year-old playmaker, who suffered a fracture dislocation of his right ankle playing for club side Wasps, is expected to be sidelined until November following surgery on the problem.

And coach Shaun Edwards has decided to install the voice of finishing legend Evans to boost Cipriani's morale on the road back to recovery.

"Ieuan has become a bit of a mentor for Danny," Edwards said, speaking to BBC Sport.

"He had a very similar injury (in 1994) and Ieuan was one who played the game who had great speed, similar to Danny and it helped him speaking to Ieuan Evans.

"Ieaun's an all-time great of British Isles rugby and to get that reassurance from Ieuan that Danny could come back just as quick as he was before - as Ieuan did - was very reassuring for Danny."

Evans notched an impressive 34 tries in 72 appearances for his country but his was a career that was interrupted by a series of lower leg injuries.

However, the former Llanelli finisher still went on to claim seven British and Irish Lions caps in a memorable career.

And Edwards believes that Cipriani has the same mental edge to come back stronger and emulate, if not better, the 44-year-old wing's achievements.

"It was a bad injury, especially for a back," he added.

"Danny's showed his resilience already and he will show it even more going forward, he's a dedicated young lad."