Leicester Tigers centre Dan Hipkiss has been called into the England squad to tour New Zealand next month after Danny Cipriani's horrific ankle injury.

Cipriani will be sidelined for six months following his injury in Wasps' Premiership play-off semi-final victory over Bath on Sunday.

But England manager Martin Johnson has decided not to call up another number 10, turning instead to Hipkiss to take the vacant spot in the squad for New Zealand.

"Rob Andrew, the coaches and I discussed suitable candidates for the tour yesterday and we all agreed there was good cover at fly half with Charlie Hodgson, Olly Barkley and Toby Flood and so we decided to go with Dan," Johnson said.

"He gives us further options at centre and he has been playing well for Leicester Tigers in recent weeks and deserves his chance."

Hipkiss, 25, has won just six caps for England, including four in the World Cup, and is relishing his unexpected chance to claim a regular place.

"I obviously cannot help but feel for Danny and the injury he has suffered and my thoughts are with him," Hipkiss said.

"However, this gives me a chance to tour New Zealand and it will be a very tough and challenging environment.

"The World Cup last year will hold me in good stead and it's an opportunity I'm looking forward to."

AFP