Danny Cipriani has claimed that England captain Owen Farrell and George Ford were part of a leadership group that led the 2015 Rugby World Cup team like a 'mafia'.

In his autobiography, 'Who Am I?', Cipriani lifted the lid on the England team and his explosive row with coach Mike Catt. 

In an extract from his book, published by the Sun, Cipriani claimed that Owen Farrell, George Ford, Chris Robshaw, Dan Cole and Ben Youngs were among a leadership group.

He said that while he believed he got on well with them, he also said how they were 'always scheming'.  

He said: 'Sam's (Burgess) in a WhatsApp group with the mafia, until one day, he posts a picture on Instagram of me and him in a coffee shop. A few hours later, George screenshots the picture and messages it to Sam, before removing him from the group. 

'Sam couldn't care less, but I think, I'm not sure what I've done to offend them, but clearly I'm not as welcome as I thought I was.' 

England were knocked out at the group stage of the 2015 Rugby World Cup as they finished behind beaten finalists Australia and Wales in their group. 

Cipriani was part of the summer camp who prepared for the World Cup, though he was not selected for the final squad.

Catt, who was an attacking coach under head coach Stuart Lancaster, was involved in a verbal confrontation with Cipriani after the latter had been told he would not make the final squad. 

It's claimed that Catt told Cipriani that he would never play for England again as long as he was involved in the set-up.

Cipriani said: 'They’ve just told me I’m not playing in the World Cup and now this w***** is taking the p*** out of me. It happens again — “F***ing s*** Danny, work harder!” — this time I’ve had enough.

'I walk straight towards him, get in his face and say, “Have you got something to say to me, Mike Catt?” He starts stuttering, before screaming in my face, spittle flying everywhere, “As long as I’m involved, you’ll never play for England again!”