Hartley to face disciplinary committee after alleged striking offence

Captain Dylan Hartley is one of three England forwards to have been cited following the weekend’s European action.

Hooker Hartley, No 8 Nathan Hughes and prop Joe Marler will all have disciplinary hearings tomorrow after alleged offences during the Champions Cup, European Professional Club Rugby has announced.

The news will be of great concern to England coach Eddie Jones, who names his squad for the autumn internationals on Thursday.

England’s commitments start against Argentina on 11 November before appointments with Australia and Samoa.

Hartley, pictured – one of Jones’ key foot soldiers since taking the job in 2015 – is no stranger to disciplinary committees, having spent 60 weeks of his career suspended for various brushes with authority.

He was yellow-carded during Northampton’s clash with Clermont Auvergne on Saturday and is alleged to have struck Rabah Slimani.

The offence – if proved – carries sanctions of two weeks at the low end, four at the midrange and anywhere between eight and 52 weeks at the top end. Wasps man Hughes has been accused of dangerously tackling Harlequins standoff Marcus Smith, while Marler is charged with alleged use of the elbow on Will Rowlands of Wasps in the same match.

Should Hartley miss any of England’s games, the captaincy could find its way to Owen Farrell or Mike Brown.