England star Danny Cipriani speaks about rugby and mental health

England rugby star Danny Cipriani has shared his battles with mental health in a new book.

Cipriani, who also played for Gloucester, spoke to BBC Radio Gloucestershire at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

He used to date TV presenter Caroline Flack, and missed a call from her the day before she took her own life.

"That doesn't ever leave you, it was the biggest catalyst for me to get things off my chest," he said.

"In doing so, we create a more conscious nation and we all need to be more open and free."

The call led to a break down in front of players at a team meeting.

"I opened up in front of the boys. I was crying my eyes out, telling them all the things that I'd held in my chest, that I regretted, that I was shameful of the way I behaved.

"That was it for me. It was breaking point. I couldn't carry that anymore because of the way I felt. I felt compelled to do it."

Reflecting on his time playing for Gloucester he said: "I've had a lot of amazing experiences here and lots of learning moments too.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, especially joining such an amazing franchise in Gloucester.

"It's probably the most unique team in the premiership."

Cipriani made his England debut age 20 and was capped 16 times for England.

Between 2018 and 2020 he played for Gloucester Rugby Club.

Cipriani said he had hoped to be selected to play for England again in 2018, but instead took a 60% pay cut to come to Gloucester.

"When I didn't get selected for England, so many things came out because I'd been getting all my validation and it was my joy, it was my life and it was everything I had put into," he said.

"It just sent me on a full journey to be where I am now. I am very grateful for all of the experiences, all the tough times because it is what makes you."

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