Hart ache at longer seasons

ENGLAND captain Dylan Hartley says the controversial proposal to extend the domestic rugby season is “not welcome”.

Concern for player welfare has led to threats of strike action from some at Hartley’s Northampton.

And now the skipper (above) has entered the debate. “I can’t speak for every player, but the general feeling is that an extended season is not welcome,” he said.

Premiership Rugby has decreed that, from 2020, the season will be lengthened by a month to run from September to the end of June.

But new RFU boss Steve Brown has vowed to heed the players’ view.