England head coach Stuart Lancaster has rewarded Danny Cipriani for his recent good form, with a recall to his preliminary squad.
Lancaster is preparing for a match against the Barbarians and a tour of New Zealand, and Cipriani is back in the mix following some impressive performances for Sale.
Cipriani won the last of his seven caps back in 2008 before he drifted out of contention as he struggled to deal with distractions away from the pitch.
However, he has played a key role in helping Sale to a sixth-place finish in the Premiership this season and Lancaster is prepared to forget the past and hand him a fresh chance on the international stage.
“I judge players on their form for their club. Reputation and what they’ve done in the past counts for something, but not everything,” Lancaster said.
“Danny’s definitely improved and Sale have played well. Danny has controlled the games really well. I’m pleased with what he’s done and he’s in the equation.”
England will take on the Barbarians at Twickenham on June 1 before they head over to Auckland to face New Zealand in the first Test on June 7.
The second Test will be played in Dunedin on June 14, before the final Test takes place in Hamilton the week after.
Players from Premiership semi-finalists Saracens, Northampton, Leicester and Harlequins, or Bath and Wasps, who are still involved in European action, have not been considered.
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