DANNY CIPRIANI (22), is moving to new Australian Super 15 side Melbourne Rebels, in part to escape the “negativity” surrounding him in England.

The outhalf, who made a sparkling England debut two years ago but who now cannot even make the training squad, announced last week he would leave Wasps at the end of the season and join the new franchise.

While his departure will be mourned by many in England who appreciate his natural talent and effervescence, elements the national team have lacked for years, manager Martin Johnson has shown little inclination to include Cipriani, usually relegating him to the Saxons side.

“There has been so much negativity surrounding me, from coaches, pundits, all sorts of others. It has been depressing,” Cipriani said.

“I have never made any secret of the fact that I want to have a career with England. I have now lost 15 caps I could have won and I could have improved so much by now if I had been given the chance. The best way to get away from all the negativity is to go to Melbourne.

“My rugby has made me depressed and I have got to get back to feeling good about myself and back to being called confident, not arrogant. When I came through as an 18-year-old I could never have dreamt that I would feel so down about my rugby as I have been lately.”

Johnson has never publically criticised him, but having dropped well down the pecking order, the player has decided to up sticks.