The London Wasps fly-half needs to have a three-inch metal pin removed from his right ankle after he suffered a dislocated fracture 12 months ago.

One option was for Cipriani to go under the knife as soon as Wasps' Guinness Premiership campaign was over to give him maximum preparation for next season.

But Cipriani refused to jeopardise his chances of regaining his place in the England team in this summer's two-Test series against Argentina.

And he still harbours hopes of being called into the Lions squad after being officially placed on standby.

"I am on standby for the Lions and it is great to have that letter and be possibly in with a shout but I am just thinking of getting selected for England," Cipriani said.

"I am hungry every time England comes around. I am hungry every time to put on that England rose. That is what drove me. That is what made me choose rugby when I was young. That is the fire in the belly that I have.

"Going to Argentina will be a ferocious test but England have come a long way since the autumn.

"After the tours I will decide when I will take the pin out, but it will be the end of June when everyone is back.

“I will still get a good summer if I do it that way."

Cipriani recovered quicker than most people expected to play for England in the autumn internationals but he suffered a drop in form and was not involved at all during the RBS 6 Nations.

And with Toby Flood out of action for six months with a ruptured Achilles he is desperate to break back into the England fold and prove himself to Martin Johnson.

There were suggestions during the season Cipriani had fallen out of favour with the England coaching staff as Johnson first selected Andy Goode and then Toby Flood at fly-half.

But Cipriani said: "I get on well with Brian Smith. He is a great coach. He did so well with London Irish and look where they are now.

"Johnno is a great guy and someone I really look up to. What he has done with England over the last few months has been fantastic.

"I would just love to be involved and learn from the senior coaches.

"It was a difficult season at first but in the last 10-12 games myself and the club were coming into form. We just weren't in the play-offs to be able to continue that form.

"I realised I enjoyed my last 10-12 games and when you play with a smile on your face the performances come."