Exiled England fly-half Danny Cipriani has been fined by Melbourne Rebels over a nightclub incident and said he would suspend himself if he reoffends.
The 23-year-old was ejected from a nightclub for taking a bottle of vodka after the Rebels’ 43-0 opening Super 15 defeat by Waratahs on 18 February.
“I regret any embarrassment my behaviour has caused,” Cipriani said.
“If anything happens along these lines again, I’ve agreed I will stand down for an appropriate period of time.”
The incident occurred in a Prahran nightclub in the early hours of the morning and Rebels coach Rod Macqueen said the penalty was determined by the club management with the approval of the players.
“We’re all disappointed but I think it’s been handled well,” said Macqueen.
“The players supported the club and they’ve worked with Danny on it.
“I’m pleased that it’s been done in this way because Danny and the players are now working together – the players haven’t separated themselves from Danny.
“We’ll be treating every one of the players equally and we’ll be treating them as adults.
“If they don’t behave like adults then the repercussions will come.”
Cipriani kicked six penalties, including the match-winner with nine seconds remaining, as the newly formed Rebels beat the ACT Brumbies 25-24 in their first victory on 25 February.
