Danny Cipriani trains with MK Dons

THE manager of MK Dons Football Club, Karl Robinson, has confirmed that England rugby union international Danny Cipriani has been training with them.

Cipriani is set to join the Melbourne Rebels next month ahead of the Super 15 season which begins in February and has joined the npower League One outfit to keep fit.

Robinson said: "I met Danny some time ago through a mutual friend and he's been working on his fitness with us this week.

"It has been a great opportunity for our players to compare training methods with a world-class athlete and for Danny to vary his own training programme.

"It has been well documented that Danny was a talented footballer when he was younger and he has certainly held his own. His enthusiasm has been terrific."

Meanwhile, English championship club Esher have appointed former England back Simon Halliday as executive director.

Halliday, who won 23 England caps and featured in two Grand Slam-winning campaigns, returns to a club he coached during the early 1990s.

"We want Esher to be the go-to club in the south of England outside the Premiership," he said.

"My main role will be to drive the strategy of the club and to accelerate the pace of change.

"I am confident I can use my experience to the club's benefit."