Aussie goalkeeper Chris Sharpe says Danny Cipriani was no Rebel when training with MLS champs Colorado Rapids last year.

Indeed, Sharpe insists the controversial Melbourne Rebels star was as good as gold during his stint.

The former England fly-half was fined this week after being thrown out of a local nightclub - just days after kicking a last-gasp winner against ACT Brumbies.

"I spent quite a bit of time with Danny when he was here. He is a great lad, hard working on and off the field and looks after himself," insisted Sharpe when speaking with tribalfootball.com.

"We speak quite regularly. I am a rugby fan, obviously the Waratahs, but with Dan playing with the Rebels I have been taking an interest in how he and the team has been going."

Cipriani's spell with the Rapids caused a stir, with claims he was set to turn his back on the Rebels and devote himself to a soccer career.

Sharpe laughed: "He has a great left foot!

"He approached his training well and was always looking to improve his game."