Hartley could be dropped for good

Editor

Dylan Hartley might have played his last game for England after his latest suspension, according to Stuart Lancaster.

The Northampton Saints hooker was dropped from England's World Cup squad this week after receiving a four-week ban for a headbutt on Jamie George.

The suspension meant he would have missed the opening game of the tournament, as well as England's warm-up matches, so Lancaster decided to call up George in his place.

And the England boss has since revealed that Hartley might find himself out of the Test picture for good even after he has served his ban.

"There is a very real possibility that Dylan could find himself out of the squad for good," Lancaster said.

"There are so many impressive young players in the country who are pushing their way through and the next generation of hookers are good.

"Anyone who is not selected for a playing reason or gives up the shirt for a disciplinary reason faces the possibility that they do not make it back. All the players are aware of that."