Danny Cipriani out for six months after ankle operation

This morning's confirmation of the severity of Cipriani's injury, suffered during yesterday's Guinness Premiership semi-final victory over Bath, means the London Wasps No10 will miss England's summer tour of New Zealand and autumn internationals at Twickenham against Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Pacific Barbarians.

Martin Johnson, the England team manager who was at the Wasps game, said today: "On behalf of the England summer tour squad we all feel for Danny over his injury. The England medical team will be in regular contact with London Wasps regarding his rehabilitation and we all wish him a speedy recovery.

"I will discuss with Rob Andrew and the coaches the candidates to replace Danny on the summer tour and we will make an announcement tomorrow."

Cipriani, who will remain in the Lister Hospital for two days, is understood to have had a plate inserted in the ankle, which was badly damaged when his leg was trapped under an opponent's body.

Despite the extent of the surgery on the ankle, Wasps medical experts insist the 20-year-old can make a full recovery and point to captain Lawrence Dallaglio's successful rehabilitation from a similar injury in 2005.

Dallaglio is even backing Cipriani to become a better player once the lengthy and painful rehabilitation is completed.

"He will be fine and I will give him all the support and help he needs," the Wasps captain said.

"I know what it's like to suffer this kind of injury and mentally and physically what's required to get back to playing.

"Danny will come back a stronger person and player because of what's happened."

Meanwhile, Wasps and England wing Tom Voyce has had his dislocated shoulder relocated in hospital following a heavy tackle and has yet to learn how long he will be out of rugby.

A Wasps statement today read: "Following injuries sustained during the semi-final against Bath, Danny Cipriani and Tom Voyce were admitted to the Lister Hospital in London last night.

"Cipriani underwent surgery [open reduction and internal fixation] for a fracture dislocation of his right ankle. He will remain under observation in hospital for the next couple of days.

"He will start intensive rehabilitation immediately. It is expected he will take approximately six months to return to full fitness.

"Tom Voyce received treatment to relocate his dislocated left shoulder. He is in a comfortable condition and will be discharged from hospital later today. He will undergo an MRI scan and further review with a specialist shoulder consultant. Further information and a time scale regarding Voyce's return to fitness will be issued later this week."

Prav Mathema, the club's head physiotherapist, said: "I would like to thank everyone who treated the two players yesterday."