Dan Hipkiss, the Leicester Tigers centre, has been called into the England squad to replace Danny Cipriani for next month's tour of New Zealand.

Cipriani, the Wasps fly half, faces six months out after suffering a fracture dislocation of his right ankle during the Guinness Premiership play-off victory against Bath. Martin Johnson, the England manager, has opted not to fill the tour vacancy with another recognised fly half.

Charlie Hodgson, Olly Barkley and Toby Flood, who were named in the 32-man squad last week, are all candidates for that role in the first international against New Zealand on June 14. However, Hipkiss has leapt into contention despite originally failing to make either the senior group or the England Saxons squad for their Barclays Churchill Cup campaign in the USA and Canada.

Johnson could have promoted Ryan Lamb, the Gloucester fly half, or Anthony Allen but he has opted for Hipkiss. The 25-year-old has won six caps, including four substitute appearances during England's 2007 World Cup campaign. He was used off the bench in the pool stage victories over Samoa and Tonga, then replaced Josh Lewsey during the semi-final win against France before going on for Jason Robinson in the final, when England lost 15-6 to South Africa.

"Rob Andrew (England New Zealand tour manager), the coaches and I discussed suitable candidates for the tour yesterday," Johnson said. "We all agreed there was good cover at fly half with Charlie Hodgson, Olly Barkley and Toby Flood, and so we decided to go with Dan. He gives us further options at centre and he has been playing well for Leicester Tigers in recent weeks. He deserves his chance."

Hipkiss made his Test debut in England's 62-5 World Cup warm-up win against Wales last August, and was delighted to be given another chance. "I obviously cannot help but feel for Danny and the injury he has suffered, and my thoughts are with him," he said. "However, this gives me a chance to tour New Zealand and it will be a very tough and challenging environment. The rugby world cup last year will hold me in good stead and it is an opportunity I am looking forward to."