Share this story
England head coach Eddie Jones has confirmed the appointment of hooker Dylan Hartley as his captain ahead of the Six Nations.
The Northampton Star has a questionable disciplinary record and missed last year’s World Cup after being banned for a month for headbutting Saracens counterpart Jamie George in the semi-finals of the Aviva Premiership.
The 29-year-old also has a number of other offences on his charge sheet, but Jones has still decided he is the right man as he attempts to usher in a new era for the Red Rose.
“I know it will be a very proud moment for him, his club, his family and friends when he leads England out at Murrayfield,” said Jones ahead of England’s opening Six Nations game against Scotland on Saturday, February 6.
“As a former captain of Northampton Saints and someone who has a lot of experience playing for England I have every faith he will lead the team tactically and passionately. English rugby is indebted to Northampton to have produced such a fine player.
“Dylan is an honest, hardworking bloke and I admire his aggressive and uncompromising approach to playing rugby.”
Hartley, who has missed a total of 54 weeks due to suspension so far in his career, succeeds Harlequins flanker Chris Robshaw who held the post for the last four years.
Jones replaced Stuart Lancaster as boss after England became to first host nation to fail to qualify from their World Cup pool last autumn.
England are the 2.75 favourites to win the 2016 Six Nations ahead of Ireland (3.75) and Wales (4.00).
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet