NORTHAMPTON SAINTS HOOKER Dylan Hartley has been cited for allegedly striking an opponent with his head during his side’s Premiership semi-final against Saracens.
Saints lost the game at Franklin’s Gardens 29-24 as their title defence was ended, and Hartley has been cited for headbutting Saracens’ Jamie George.
It is the latest in a long line of transgressions for the England international, who has a chequered disciplinary record, with the Rugby World Cup on the horizon.
Hartley missed the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia after abusing referee Wayne Barnes in the 2013 Premiership final against Leicester, while he missed three weeks of the current season after being suspended for elbowing Leicester Tigers’ Matt Smith.
“Hartley was cited following the Premiership semi-final match between Northampton Saints and Saracens for striking an opponent with his head, contrary to Law 10.4(a),” said a statement from the Rugby Football Union.
“The hearing will be held at the Coventry Holiday Inn on Wednesday 27th May at 7.15pm.”
