Suspended Hartley retains place in England elite squad

Northampton hooker  Dylan Hartley retains his place in the England elite squad desppite his poor disciplinary record. Photograph:  David Davies/PA Wire.
Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley retains his place in the England elite squad desppite his poor disciplinary record. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire.

Chris Ashton and Dylan Hartley have retained their places in England’s senior elite player squad and are joined by six new faces.

Lock Dave Attwood, flanker Matt Kvesic, number eight Billy Vunipola, centre Kyle Eastmond and wings Christian Wade and Marland Yarde have been added to the 33 announced by head coach Stuart Lancaster.

Lancaster’s patience with Hartley has yet to be exhausted despite the Northampton hooker being suspended until September 1st for his latest disciplinary indiscretion.

Hartley received an 11-week ban for verbally abusing referee Wayne Barnes.


IN THIS SECTION