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Danny Cipriani apologises to police, grateful for Gloucester support

Olympic Rugby

Danny Cipriani has issued an apology to the police after pleading guilty to common assault and resisting arrest.

The England and Gloucester fly-half was also fined a total of £2,250 -- £500 of which for assaulting a nightclub doorman and £250 for bruising a female police officer -- after appearing at Jersey Magistrates Court Thursday. He had been arrested and charged in the early hours of Wednesday morning. 

Cipriani was on a night out with his Gloucester teammates and was in Jersey on a pre-season training camp. Gloucester have also issued a statement saying that although they were disappointed with Cirpriani's actions, they will be standing by their man. 

"I want to start with a heartfelt apology," Cipriani wrote in a message posted on his Twitter feed. "To my club, teammates, supporters and most importantly the police. They have a tough and vital job and I'm mortified that, earlier this week, I acted in a way that I hugely regret. I am truly sorry

"I would also like to put on the record the words of the Magistrate Sarah Fitz who publicly stated that 'it was a minor incident' and 'a fine is more than sufficient'.

"I was wrong to argue with a bouncer, and pull on his camera tie. I was also wrong to resit arrest. This is why I pleaded guilty to these two charges and all other charges were dropped by the prosecution. 

"I was initially confused as to why I was being arrested by three officers. This led me to react in the wrong manner for a matter of seconds, seeking to hold off the police officers rather than accepting their decision. It goes without saying, given the words of the Magistrate, that I didn't strike anyone or initiate aggression in any way, 

"I was on a team night out with the whole squad. I am grateful to the club, who have been fully supportive. 

"I would like to publicly thank the Magistrate and the police and, once again, apologise both to them and to the public."

The two other charges of larceny and being disorderly on licensed premises were dropped by the prosecution and the court case lasted just 13 minutes. 

Earlier in the day, Gloucester Rugby CEO Stephen Vaughan said that although "incidents of this nature and very disappointing", Cipriani is "a Gloucester Rugby player and will receive our full support".

Cipriani returned to the England squad earlier this year, having made his first Test start for 10 years against South Africa in Cape Town in June.

He had joined Gloucester at the end of last season from Premiership rivals Wasps and was looking forward to a rejuvenated career at both club and international level.

But he had been warned by England coach Eddie Jones over his conduct following a number of off-field issues during his career.

They included a training-ground fight with a Wasps teammate and a nightclub incident while playing for Australia's Melbourne Rebels in 2011. Cipriani was also hit by a bus on a night out with Sale teammates in 2013.

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