Like it or not, there is no staying out of the headlines for Raynes Park-based rugby starlet Danny Cipriani.

Touted as the natural successor to Jonny Wilkinson when he took the World Cup winner’s place at fly-half for England in last season’s Six Nations aged just 20, Cipriani has since suffered a blip internationally and with club side Wasps.

But his relationship with model-cum-actress Kelly Brook means there is nowhere to hide, and Rosslyn Park have seen fit to make their former colt one of the first three names in their Walk of Legends, despite Cipriani never having played a senior game for the club.

The Comet caught up with him this week, days after his omission from Martin Johnson’s senior squad exiled him to a summer with the Saxons.

He was promoting Alliance & Leicester’s Premier 21 Master Class Programme, designed to inspire 16 to 21-year-olds who have left full-time education to kickstart their careers.

What influence did Rosslyn Park have in your career? How do you feel to be one of three players to be honoured by the club in their walk of legends?

It was a huge influence, I learnt so much from them and am thrilled to be honoured in their walk of legends. I hope I can be an inspiration to the kids who play there now.

Did you have the opportunity to go into higher education? Do you feel now that you made the right decisions?

I was really lucky that my mum worked really hard to send me to some great schools and I could have had the opportunity to go into higher education, but I knew that route would never have been for me. I have always been focused on sport and I’ve been lucky enough to play at a professional level, but if that hadn’t worked out, I would probably have learnt a trade rather than go to university.

How would the Alliance & Leicester Master Class Programme have benefitted you as a youngster?

Hugely! I knew that I wanted to play rugby from a young age, and I was lucky enough to have lots of people around me that I could ask advise from, my coaches, older players et cetera. I think it’s really important for young people to do research into areas they think they will enjoy and speak to as many people as possible who have been through it themselves. The key is to find something you love, as it makes those rainy days go much quicker!

What is your reaction to being called up to the England Saxons squad instead of the senior squad this summer?

Obviously, I’m disappointed not to be playing with the England team in Argentina, but I respect Martin Johnson’s decision and I’m going to give the Saxons everything I have got.

What went wrong at Wasps this season and why have you stayed loyal at a time when so many others seem to be heading to France?

Last season was a big learning experience for the club and especially me. Next season is going to be really exciting. Wasps have made some great signings and I’m really looking forward to start winning again.

How have you dealt with the criticism of both your rugby and your personal life this season?

I try not to read the press. My main focus is my rugby and that’s what I’ve been concentrating on.

Cipriani will host an Alliance & Leicester Premier 21 Sport Master Class in July. To win a place visit prem21.co.uk