Stuart Lancaster to let Dylan Hartley know the law – Rugby News Update
The 26-year-old Dylan Hartley, the Northampton Saints and England prop has been named by Stuart Lancaster, the head coach of England, in the 42-man squad that will tour South Africa for a three-match test, along with playing two other mid-week games.
However, Lancaster is keen to lay down the law for all his players, as he expects his men to behave in an appropriate manner on and off the field. The head coach of England has already spoken with Danny Care, who has been recalled into the national team
after a hiatus of one year, due to off-field antics. Lancaster is keen to let Hartley know as well, who is currently serving an eight-week ban for biting the ear of Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris during the Six Nations tournament.
Lancaster said, "We will have a pretty strong conversation and he has to prove to us he is ready to come back into the Test arena. Attitude, energy, emotion and discipline should be a given for an England team now.”
He further clarified the exact behaviour he expects of his players, especially Dylan, while pointing out that England has to reduce the number of penalties that they give away, and with the Springboks having Morne Steyne in their ranks, they can score from
anywhere.
"We will be sitting down with Dylan and explaining to him exactly what is required to be an international player. We have to be able to trust the players," Lancaster said. "If we can't trust a player on the field then he won't be selected.”
This is not the first time that Hartley has been given a ban from rugby. In April 2007 he received a 26 week ban for gouging former U21 team-mate James Haskell and Irish international Jonny O'Connor in a game against the Wasps. He condemned widely for his
actions.
Hartley has played 39 times for England, making his debut against Pacific Islanders at Twickenham, on November 8, 2008. His talent brought him comparisons with former greats, with many thinking of him as the long term answer to England’s hooker dilemma.
If he is to be considered for England long term then his behaviour certainly needs to improve.
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