The Wasps fly-half has been relegated to second-string England Saxons duty for their appointment with Ireland A in Dublin on Friday night.

He was dropped for England’s final autumn Test against New Zealand just over two months ago, following a poor display in the 42-6 drubbing by world champions South Africa a week earlier.

But the 21-year-old now finds himself surplus to senior England team requirements.

The request for Cipriani to be involved with the Saxons was made by England manager Martin Johnson. Leicester scrum-half Harry Ellis is also part of that 24-man group.

Johnson said: “Harry and Danny will spend this week with the Saxons as they prepare to play Ireland A on Friday.

“Both players remain in my plans for the RBS 6 Nations, but I would like to see them get some game time with the Saxons.

“Harry benefited from playing with them last week, and I will be in regular contact with Saxons head coach Stuart Lancaster during the course of the week.”

Leicester’s Toby Flood is expected to wear the England number 10 shirt against Italy on Saturday.

England have added three players to their preparations for the Italy game, including Flood’s Leicester fly-half predecessor Andy Goode.

Goode, Gloucester wing James Simpson-Daniel and uncapped Saracens prop Tom Mercey have all reported to England’s training base.

Goode currently plays his club rugby in France with European Challenge Cup quarter-finalists Brive, where his team-mates include England World Cup-winners Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson.

Simpson-Daniel, meanwhile, will provide injury cover for Harlequins’ Ugo Monye (sore back) - with Mercey doing likewise for Wasps’ Tim Payne (sore abdominal muscles).

Johnson is due to name his starting line-up for the Italy game tomorrow morning, with London Irish flanker Steffon Armitage likely to be the solitary new cap.

If Armitage and his brother, full-back Delon, are selected, they will become the first brothers to play in the same England side since Rory and Tony Underwood 14 years ago.

Elsewhere, Gloucester centre Mike Tindall and Sale Sharks prop Andrew Sheridan are expected to be recalled.