Dylan Hartley one of three England players cited


England captain Dylan Hartley is one of three Red Rose forwards to have been cited following the weekend's European action.

Hooker Hartley, number eight Nathan Hughes and prop Joe Marler will all have disciplinary hearings on Wednesday after alleged offences during the Champions Cup, European Professional Club Rugby has announced.

The news will be of great concern to England coach Eddie Jones, who names his squad for the autumn internationals on Thursday.

England's commitments start against Argentina on November 11 before appointments with Australia and Samoa.

Hartley is no stranger to disciplinary committees, having spent 60 weeks of his career suspended for various brushes with authority.

He was yellow-carded during Northampton's clash with Clermont Auvergne on Saturday and is alleged to have struck Rabah Slimani.

The offence - if proven - carries sanctions of two weeks at the low end, four at the mid-range and anywhere between eight and 52 weeks at the top end.

Wasps’ Hughes has been accused of dangerously tackling Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith, while Marler is charged with alleged use of the elbow on Will Rowlands of Wasps in the same match.

Should Hartley miss any of England's games, the captaincy could find its way to the likes of Owen Farrell or Mike Brown.

Like what you've read?

MOST READ

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content
We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo