Danny Cipriani made a winning return to the Ricoh Arena as Charlie Sharples’ two tries inspired Gloucester Rugby past Wasps in a tantalising contest.

Cipriani was making his first appearance at the Ricoh since his summer move from Wasps and he reminded the home fans of his talents while again showing why he was named Gallagher Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for September.

Sharples’ two tries, both super finishes, takes him to eight for the season from just six games while the result lifts Gloucester to third in the table.

Scores from Dan Robson, Elliot Daly and Juan de Jongh put pressure on Gloucester but Sharples’ second and Lewis Ludlow’s effort completed the win – following earlier Gloucester scores from Ben Vellacott and Sharples.

Wasps made a rapid start and scored the first points of the match inside three minutes as scrum-half Robson spotted a gap in the Gloucester defence and burst through from the base of a ruck to score.

But Gloucester, and Cipriani, grew into the contest and their first try was a moment of brilliance. The fly-half exchanged passes with Vellacott inside his own half before darting towards the corner.

He seemed to run out of gas but kicked inside for the scrum-half to score. That changed the momentum of the match and minutes later they added a second.

Full-back Tom Hudson broke through two tackles and popped a nice pass off for wing Sharples to burst through on his inside shoulder to score.

Wasps came charging out of the blocks in the second half, with Daly charging through to score – while Billy Searle added the extras.

The hosts kept up the pressure and De Jongh planted the ball down for their try of the match following Craig Hampson’s kick through.

But Gloucester put it to bed late on, with Sharples crossing after a sustained period of pressure and Lewis Ludlow brought up the bonus point in the final couple of minutes.