Dylan Hartley never thought of being Captain – Rugby News Update
Dylan Hartley, the 24-year-old Northampton Saints and England hooker has been named captain in the absence of Chris Robshaw, who is the permanent skipper of the team.
England currently trails South Africa 2 – 0 with one match left to play at Port Elizabeth. For the crucial final test, England is without a few influential players, especially Robshaw. Hartley has been appointed as captain and he feels honoured that the
coaching staff considers him as a player that can lead the team out.
He said, "I was flattered the coaches came to me and asked, although I am also disappointed for Chris Robshaw. He has led us very well."
Hartley had a disappointing end to the season in the Aviva Premiership, as he was hit with an eight-week ban in March, and that ended his season. Stuart Lancaster, the head coach of England included Hartley in the 42-man squad that was to tour South Africa.
Hartley has been considered the long-term solution to England’s hooker problem, stated that the time he spent off rugby at the end of season gave him perspective. He was able to think about his game and it helped him regain his focus.
"I had two months off so I set goals and targets and I am just happy to be back playing and within the group," Hartley said. "There was obvious disappointment at picking up the ban but the silver lining to it was I got eight weeks to refocus and train towards
something.”
England will be without Alex Corbisiero, the 23-year-old prop as he had a recurrence of an injury that had kept him out of the first test. Mike Catt, the backs coach, was sympathetic to the player but added that he had to take it on the chin.
Catt joined the backroom staff on an interim basis for the tour, and upon his return to England,will sort out his own future with England.
At the moment Hartley is going to keep his team’s focus on the Springboks, and his experience will be helpful for the them. The hooker has played 41 times for his country, starting 26 games, and coming on as a substitute 15 times.
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