Sharp Dressed Man

International rugby star Danny Cipriani talks photoshoots, fortune tellers and high fashion.

- Sara Darling

At 29, Wasps fly-half Danny Cipriani has gained notoriety on the pitch, but also as a tabloid favourite. Used to being photographed by paparazzi, who have tirelessly documented his on-off relationships with some of the world’s most high-profile women, he showed Schön! another side to his personality in front of a fashion lens.

“I really enjoyed the shoot today,” Cipriani states. “It was very artistic. I’ve done a few shoots and you wear some questionable clothes, but when you look at the final photograph, it looks amazing. So, you have to put faith in the team.” He’s not intimidated by the potential disapproval of his colleagues. “I guess not so many rugby players would appreciate the final product,” he says, “and if they saw me dressed like this, they might take the piss, but when you see it in the magazine, it comes to life and it’s all worth it. Although I would have to lose 10kg if I was to model properly – I know that. I have the rugby physique!”

As manly as rugby players appear on the pitch, taking care of their appearance and grooming is becoming more of a changing room ritual, and Cipriani is no stranger to high fashion. “I love Tom Ford, especially his suiting,” he enthuses, “and Christian Louboutin shoes! He sent me a few pairs to wear to an event and I Instagrammed him to say thank you.”