Official RBS 6 Nations Rugby : Hartley handed eight-week ban

News

RBS 6 Nations match video highlights

Watch the latest Video highlights

The Official Championship App

Keep on top of all the action through the official app. Includes video, news, history, stats and more...

RBS 6 Nations Live Challenge App 2013

Click here to learn more!

Official Online Store

RBS 6 Nations full kit range now available online

Official Magazine 2013

Click here to Download

Dylan Hartley has been handed an eight-week ban for an incident involving Stephen Ferris during the RBS 6 Nations

Getty Images

Hartley handed eight-week ban

27 March 2012, 5:08 pm

By Sportsbeat

England will be able to call on Dylan Hartley for June's tour of South Africa after the hooker received an eight-week ban for an act contrary to good sportsmanship.

The Northampton Saints star was cited for biting the finger of Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris in their RBS 6 Nations clash on March 17, England winning 30-9 at Twickenham and an independent Six Nations committee upheld the decision.

The hooker was an ever-present for England during the Championship, starting every game as the Red Rose finished second overall, with a solitary 19-12 defeat at home to Grand Slam champions Wales.

Hartley’s ban means the only way the Saints skipper will run out for his club again this season will be if they reach the Premiership final on May 26, 12 days after his suspension is up.

Hartley said: “I am disappointed by the result and I will wait for the written judgment as to how the panel came to their conclusion.

“I now have to put it behind me and focus on supporting Saints in training and off the field.”