Hartley a doubt for Paris

Dylan Hartley has emerged as a doubt for England’s Natwest Six Nations clash with France in Paris, while Jack Nowell and Sam Underhill have been ruled out.

Forwards coach Steve Borthwick revealed that Hartley is struggling with muscle tightness in his leg, while Nowell and Underhill have been afflicted by respective ankle and toe injuries sustained in training over the weekend. Northampton hooker Hartley, England captain throughout Eddie Jones’ reign, is being checked daily ahead of tomorrow’s team announcement with Jamie George set to start if he fails to recover and Owen Farrell the likely skipper.

Borthwick said: “Dylan trained yesterday [Monday] and felt a bit of tightness afterwards. He reported that and the decision of the medical team is to monitor it daily.”

Nowell is also likely to miss the climax to the tournament against Ireland on Saturday week but Underhill could be back for the final instalment of England’s title defence.

“Jack Nowell rolled his ankle in training, the same ankle that he injured earlier on this season. He has returned to Exeter,” Borthwick said.

“Sam took a knock to his big toe after someone trod on it. It’s flared up so he’s not in contention against France.”

Underhill’s place on the bench is likely to be filled by James Haskell while Elliot Daly, who has recovered from ankle and calf problems, plugs the gap created by Nowell’s injury.