Rugby: Cipriani has new friends to propel Rebels

Danny Cipriani has been joined by Wallabies Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor at the Melbourne Rebels. Photo / Getty Images

Danny Cipriani is happy to see James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale at the Melbourne Rebels, and not just because they're two of the world's best rugby players.

In the Rebels' inaugural Super Rugby season, English import Cipriani was the talking point of the club and not usually because of his prodigious playing talents.

The former Test player fell foul of club officials and his teammates for his off-field antics and was banned for playing for five weeks.

But the 24-year-old five-eighth is hoping to share the spotlight this coming season with Wallabies fullback Beale and winger O'Connor.

The trio have already become firm friends and Cipriani is excited about his second year in Australia.

"I was really looking forward to coming back and having my good mates Kurtley and James here," he said.

"We spoke about playing together before they'd even signed so it's something I'm really looking forward to; they're two of the best players in the world.

"Having them here raises the bar for everyone and I think it will make everyone realise the full potential that we have."

Before they hit the field in Rebels colours in February, Cipriani will line up against O'Connor when he plays for the Barbarians, who face the Wallabies on November 26 at Twickenham.

Melbourne skipper Stirling Mortlock is also in the Barbarians line-up while Beale will miss the two-game Australian tour because of a hamstring injury suffered at the Rugby World Cup.

Cipriani said he loved playing on the big stage, and still harboured ambitions of a recall to the international scene.

"I played with the Barbarians last year and played well.

"This year against Australia at Twickenham, it's exciting times and I'm very much looking forward to it.

"It's a great opportunity for me."

There has been a large turnover of players at the Rebels, with a number of senior players such as prop Greg Somerville, halfback Sam Cordingley and lock Kevin O'Neill retiring, while head coach Rod Macqueen has handed over the reins to Damien Hill.

After a three-day camp at Lorne last week, Cipriani said there was a fresh feel to the side, who finished with the wooden spoon last season.

"There are still a few experienced guys who are going to benefit us but there's a real buzz and a brightness to the side which hopefully will put us in good stead."

- AAP