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.
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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.”
Dylan Hartley named new England captain
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.
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Controversial choice divisive figure Dylan Hartley Ireland England