Dylan Hartley ruled out of England's tour of South Africa due to concussion
The Northampton hooker has not played since sustaining a head injury in last month’s Six Nations defeat by Ireland
Dylan Hartley has been ruled out of England’s summer tour of South Africa due to concussion.
The Northampton hooker has not played since sustaining a head injury in last month’s Six Nations defeat by Ireland.
The England captain will now take take an extended period of rest from both club and country duty, meaning he will also be absent for the rest of Northampton Saints’ domestic season.
In a statement released on Monday, Hartley expressed his disappointment and frustration at the decision.
“I’m very disappointed that I will not be available for selection for Saints’ remaining Premiership games, as well England’s tour to South Africa,” said Hartley.
“It has been recommended by specialists that I take a break this summer and while I find that decision hard to accept, it’s important I listen to that advice.
“I intend to use this time to recover fully from my injury, so I can be ready to hit the ground running when pre-season training starts later this summer.”
Two years ago Hartley was ruled out for 14 weeks because of two separate concussions, the last in the Grand Slam-clinching victory over France in Paris.
The 32-year-old, an ever present as captain under Eddie Jones, later conceded he had no memory of the trophy presentation held on the pitch and questioned whether another significant head knock would force him to reconsider his future in the game.
He later returned to lead his country in the tour of Australia in June 2016.
His absence for the South Africa tour, which will see England face the Springboks in three Tests, starting in Johannesburg on 9 June, paves the way for Saracens' Jamie George to cement his place as England’s main hooker.
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