Danny Cipriani, the former Gloucester rugby star, has opened up about his battle with mental health in a newly published book. Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Cipriani spoke candidly about the impact of his previous relationship with TV presenter Caroline Flack, who tragically took her own life. He revealed that missing a call from Flack the day before her death was a significant turning point for him to address his own mental health struggles. Cipriani emphasized the need for a more open and aware society where individuals can openly discuss their mental health.
During a team meeting, Cipriani broke down in front of his teammates, sharing the regrets and shame he had been carrying. This emotional moment marked a pivotal moment for him, prompting him to seek help. Cipriani stressed the power of vulnerability and encouraged others to do the same.
Looking back on his time with Gloucester, Cipriani expressed gratitude for the valuable experiences and lessons he gained while playing for the team. He described his journey with Gloucester as incredible and praised the franchise as one of the most unique teams in the Premiership.
Cipriani, who made his England debut at the age of 20 and earned 16 caps for his country, revealed that he had hoped for a recall to the national team in 2018. However, he ultimately made the decision to accept a significant pay cut to join Gloucester. This setback led him on a personal journey of self-discovery and growth. Cipriani acknowledged that despite the challenges he faced, he was thankful for the experiences and difficult times as they shaped him into the person he is today.
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