Danny Cipriani could still feature for England at next year's World Cup in New Zealand despite his impending move to Melbourne Rebels, according to former English international back Austin Healey.

London Wasps fly-half Cipriani appeared to stall his international career when he announced in February he would be joining the new Super 15 franchise after falling out of favour with England manager Martin Johnson.

It seemed that meant the end of the 22-year-old's World Cup hopes with Johnson set to ignore players who are unavailable for the 2011 Six Nations.

But Healey, who played alongside Johnson at Leicester as well as at Test level, believes his old colleague could yet change his mind over Cipriani.

"If he's playing well and there's a space in the squad and it warrants it, I think he'll get selected," Healey, now pursuing a media career said on Wednesday.

"I don't think that Johnno would put any barrier there that prevents it ... He (Cipriani) seems to be going out there before everyone else and maybe he'll end up in the squad."

Healey, who made 51 appearances for England and twice toured with the British and Irish Lions, added he would have loved to have played abroad.

"Danny will come back from Australia at the age of 24 a better rugby player than he is now," added Healey.

"I think it's good for him. Given the opportunity I would love to have gone out and played in different countries."

Healey has also been impressed by 24-year-old fullback Ben Foden who shone in England's tournament-ending Six Nations loss to Grand slam champions France in Paris.

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