The Wasps fly-half, 21, has had a three-inch metal plate removed from his right ankle and is running pain free for the first time since suffering the gruesome injury in May last year.

With the metalwork now gone, Cipriani is ready to prove to England manager Martin Johnson that he is the right man to tackle Australia in England’s first November international.

“I had the operation on July 1 and the fact it felt so much better afterwards was a big deal. I didn’t have the same kind of pain in my Achilles and that made a big difference,” said Cipriani.

“My form was coming back at the end of last season. I was enjoying my rugby and with the ankle being pain free, it is off my mind and allows me to just go out and play.

“I love playing for England and that is what my ambition has been since I was 10 or 11 years old.”

“Now I have had a good six weeks of pre-season, which is important and which I didn’t get last year, and I am looking forward to the start of the new season.”