Goodbye & Good Riddance Dylan Hartley



On the plus side Hartley did captain England to the Six Nations Grand Slam and a 3-0 whitewash of Australia last year and is the most-capped hooker in England's history.He's also a loyal servant to his country having turned down big-money contracts from France in order to continue playing for England.
Great leaders are often imperfect but I know who I'd want in the trenches next to me.
Fortunately rugby is a game played on the field and not in an armchair.
 
On the associated matter of the new tackling laws that came into force on Jan 1st even within the first few games it's obvious that there's going to be huge inconsistency and confusion.
Tackling is such a crucial part of the game yet why risk a red card for what is intended to be a perfectly fair challenge that goes awry when a player either slips or deliberately behaves in a way to get an opponent sent off.
I couldn't help noticing CJ Stander's attempt to be an early exponent of this yesterday against Racing Metro.
 
The first game referees under the new laws was the Leinster game. Two high tackles on Leinster players, the first within the first 5 minutes, and neither were actioned at all. Neither were bad but both fell within the scope of the new rules.
 
Dylan Hartley confirmed at 6 nations launch this AM as England captain for the tournament.
Swing low sweet chariot.....
 
Dylan Hartley confirmed at 6 nations launch this AM as England captain for the tournament.
Swing low sweet chariot.....

Good news for England,with an ever-lengthening injury list.
Back-to-back Grand Slams is going to be a huge ask.
 
Was Dylan Hartley picked for the British and Irish Lions? Is he the mid-week captain? Or has he been relegated to boot-boy?