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Rugby

20th Jan 2017

There is a lot of confusion about Dylan Hartley’s England situation

Clear as mud

Patrick McCarry

Guess who’s back… ?

This guy.

Dylan Hartley has proved his fitness to England coach Eddie Jones and will lead his country in defence of their Six Nations Grand Slam. England coach Eddie Jones used the term ‘foundation captain’ and suggested the role is not locked down.

“Captaincy, like the jersey, is not a permanent position. Nothing is permanent… We’re not a club team.”

Jones suggested that Hartley will be afforded every opportunity to retain his captaincy role if he trains well and leads the squad well in the lead-up to their tournament opener against France.

Alex Lozowiski, Nathan Catt and Mike Williams are the uncapped inclusions in a 34-man squad that is likely to be led by Hartley. The hooker is serving out the remaining week of a six-week ban he copped for a straight-arm tackle on Leinster’s Sean O’Brien [above].

Jones was unwilling to confirm whether Hartley would or would not captain England against France but said he was ‘moving in the right direction’ in terms of his game readiness, which he rated at 7/10.

Broadcast reporters tried their best to extract an answer but Jones was not budging. Wait and see was his take but, for now, there is no guaranteed England captain.

Some loved how Jones is laying down the law

Others just aren’t ready to forgive and forget

The likelihood is that Hartley will captain England but Jones was trying his best to deflect this story for now and focus on his squad announcement and tournament preparations.

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10