‘Bad boy’ Dylan Hartley named England captain for Six Nations
England on Monday named Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley, the “bad boy” of English rugby, captain for the Six Nations Championship despite him missing more than a year of his career for disciplinary bans.
England on Monday named Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley, the “bad boy” of English rugby, captain for the Six Nations Championship despite him missing more than a year of his career for disciplinary bans.
Hartley, 29, replaced Chris Robshaw after the Harlequins flanker was criticised for his role in England’s disastrous World Cup last year when they crashed out in the first round. Hartley missed the tournament because of suspension.
“Dylan is an honest, hardworking bloke and I admire his aggressive and uncompromising approach to playing rugby,” head coach Eddie Jones of his new appointee.
It’s essential for the success of this team that we quickly develop and establish a strong leadership group
Asked if he was taking a chance on Hartley, the Australian, England’s first overseas coach, told a news conference: “The biggest risk is not to take a risk.”
New Zealand-born Hartley has been capped 66 times, but has amassed a staggering 54 weeks of suspensions for offences including eye-gouging, biting and swearing at a referee. He missed two World Cups and the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia through bad behaviour.
However, he was sorely missed during England’s woeful World Cup campaign on home soil. His first match in charge, a February 6 clash away to Scotland will also be Jones’ first game in charge of the side.
“It is a huge honour to captain England and a very proud day for me and my family,” said Hartley, who led the side on one previous occasion – against South Africa in 2012.
“I’m really excited about the challenge ahead, but in reality leading this squad of players will not fall just to me.
