England captain Dylan Hartley is a huge doubt for England’s tour of South Africa after picking up a head injury in England’s Six Nations clash with Ireland last month, according to a report on Sky Sports.

Hartley suffered a concussion and is yet to clear the return-to-play protocols as he is still showing symptoms of the concussion.

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The news will be worrying for England head coach Eddie Jones, who will need his captain to lift the spirits of his side after a hugely disappointing Six Nations campaign this year.

Hartley’s Northampton club coach revealed that there is no estimate on when the hooker will recover from the concussion but is eager to give him as much time as he needs to make a full recovery.

England face South Africa in a three-Test series in June and with head injuries in Rugby being a big talking point recently, there will be no rush for Hartley to be returned to action.

Hartley has previously injured his head many times and has spent a significant period of time on the sidelines during his career.

The hooker has missed Northampton’s last two matches and will be eager to pass all the concussion protocols before returning to training.