England fly-half Danny Cipriani arrested for drink-driving leaving World Cup hopes in doubt

England rugby player Danny Cipriani has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after crashing his Mercedes in the early hours of Monday (1 June).

The 27-year-old, who had played for England against the Barbarians at Twickenham less than 24 hours earlier, was breathalysed and taken to a west London police station before being bailed.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswomen said: "The cars involved were a silver Toyota Prius and a black Mercedes C63.

"The driver of the Mercedes, a 27-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

"He was taken to a west London police station where he was later released on police bail. Return date to be confirmed."

Cipriani has been selected in England's World Cup training squad. However, his chances of featuring in the showcase tournament has been thrust into doubt over this latest incident, if the player is later found guilty.

Centre Manu Tuilagi was overlooked for selection after pleading guilty to assaulting a police officer, while hooker Dylan Hartley was withdrawn from the squad after head-butting an opponent while playing for Northampton Saints.

Coach Stuart Lancaster has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to off-the-field indiscipline and would be expected to take strong action against Cipriani if charges are brought against the fly-half, who has had a chequered career on and off the field.

After a lengthy injury absence in 2008, Cipriani lost his place in the England team due to a loss of form while his relationship with model girlfriend Kelly Brook led to questions over his commitment to the sport.

After leaving Wasps for Melbourne Rebels, a series of off-the-field incidents led to a premature return to English rugby with Sale Sharks, where he has rebuilt his reputation and forced his way back into reckoning with England.

The Sale player was one of four numbers 10s selected in Lancaster's 50-man squad, with George Ford, Owen Farrell and Stephen Myler the other players competing for what is expected to be two berths in the final selection pool.

In the 73-12 weekend win over the Barbarians, Cipriani scored 33 points, including two tries, to stake his claim to be included in the final squad, which must be announced before the 31 August deadline.

England begin their World Cup campaign against Fiji on 18 September.