Danny Cipriani has been named in the Gloucester team for their next preseason friendly despite being the subject of an RFU disciplinary hearing.
The England fly-half is among those listed to start the match against Dragons at Kingsholm on Thursday night but must first face an independent panel in Bristol Wednesday evening.
He is charged with “conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game” after an incident last week in Jersey.
Cipriani pleaded guilty to common assault and resisting arrest after the incident at a nightclub during Gloucester’s preseason tour.
He was fined £2000 at Jersey Magistrate’s Court and a further £2000 by Gloucester after a hearing on Monday.
🏉 Your Cherry and Whites for Thursday night!
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— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) 22 August 2018
The Rugby Players Association and Gloucester have criticised the RFU for bringing a case against Cipriani, arguing the matter should have been closed after the club had dealt with Cipriani’s misconduct internally.
But the RFU has moved forward with its case which could result in a further fine or ban for the player.
Cipriani returned to the England squad in the Third Test against South Africa after a decade in the international wilderness.
If banned he would miss the start of the Gallagher Premiership season with Gloucester’s opening fixture against Northampton Saints on Sep. 1.
He is yet to make his competitive debut for Gloucester after arriving from Wasps in the summer.