Goode was included in England’s autumn international campaign, while Cipriani was picked for the Saxons earlier this year.

"In the short term, it might not be the best thing for my England career,” said Cipriani.

"But in the long term I can hopefully come back and be the player I want to be and people want me to be.”

Cipriani, who has won seven international caps, has been out of favour for most of Martin Johnson's reign as England manager.

But he denied his stalled international career was the main motivation for his move down under.

Meanwhile, Goode said: "It is hard to say goodbye to my team-mates but I will follow Brive's results from Natal.”