Amid speculation regarding who the next captain of England Rugby would be, the RFU have confirmed that the man taking the armband will be Northampton Saints’ controversial hooker Dylan Hartley.
The 29-year-old’s appointment as captain of the England side had been widely criticised and Rugby fans remain nationally apprehensive regarding Hartley’s added responsibilities as a result of his previously poor disciplinary record in the game.
In the past, Hartley has missed out in major competitions for England due to a lack of discipline, such as two World Cups and a British & Irish Lions tour. Hartley’s disciplinary misconduct has come through a number of different offences such as biting, punching and verbally abusing match officials.
However, despite concerns regarding Hartley’s discipline, the 29-year-old’s national experience for England cannot be underestimated, as the hooker has made an impressive 66 appearances for his country since his debut in 2008 against the Pacific Islanders.
Hartley takes over from Chris Robshaw, who’s position had been under great scrunity since his questionable decision to kick to touch in England’s World Cup game against Wales.
