Hartley’s England future is in doubt
Fear over concussion
DYLAN Hartley’s future as England captain has been thrown further into doubt as it has emerged he is still suffering from concussion symptoms and is unlikely to reappear for Northampton this season.
The 32-year-old hooker has not played since Eddie Jones’s team lost their final Six ix Nations fixture e against Ireland on March 17. He has missed three matches for the Saints and his hopes of participating in England’s - tour of South Africa aree on a knife-edge.
Hartley and other squad leaders met Jones earlier this month and at that time there was a sense of optimism that he would be available for the three Tests against the Springboks.
However, his attempts to come through the return-toplay protocols are thought to have stalled. There is a feeling that a rest for the next few weeks might allow Hartley to come through this worrying episode in time for ththe start of the England Eng training camp ca next month. But B if that is the way w forward, the decision needs to be taken soon. This is a particularly u troubling saga s for the acclaimed ac captain because bec he has endured endu concussions bbefore.f There will be worries about his career prospects during this period of uncertainty — and he has even voiced such concerns himself in the past. Two years ago, Hartley recovered from two concussions in quick succession and admitted that another similar setback could force him to stop playing.
‘If I got another one now, I would be worried,’ he said at the time. ‘I would probably start looking at other careers — or a long lay-off. Every time you see your kid you think, “If I hit my head again, what’s that going to mean?”.’
Jones will be desperately hoping that Hartley pulls through but will also make contingency plans.
Owen Farrell has become the established deputy captain. But the intention, at least in principle, remains to rest several of the overworked Lions contingent this summer, which would theoretically include the influential playmaker.
Another man touted as a future Test captain, lock Maro Itoje, was also on Lions duty and, ideally, needs a decent break.
In the potential absence of Hartley and Farrell, Jones may turn again to Chris Robshaw, who was Stuart Lancaster’s captain for four years. George Ford has also served as captain in a joint role with Robshaw.
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