EDDIE JONES HAS named Dylan Hartley as the England captain for their up-coming 6 Nations campaign, despite his history of disciplinary issues.
The 29-year old has won 66 caps for his country, scoring just one try.
Hartley’s rap sheet includes a 26-week ban for eye-gouging in 2007 and 11 weeks for calling referee Wayne Barnes a ‘fucking cheat’ in 2013 which saw him miss the Lions tour.
In all, the Northampton hooker has accumulated more than a year’s worth of suspensions but Jones has still decided he’s the right man for the job as England look to win the 6 Nations for the first time since 2011 and just the third time in 13 years.
“Dylan is an honest, hardworking bloke and I admire his aggressive and uncompromising approach to playing rugby,” Jones said.
“As a former captain of Northampton 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 and we think he has all the qualities needed to lead this group of players.”
Hartley, meanwhile, said: “It’s a huge honour and a very proud day for me and my family.
I’m really excited about the challenge ahead, but in reality leading this squad of players will not fall just to me.”
