Dylan Hartley struggling with concussion symptoms

Northampton coach Alan Dickens has fuelled fresh doubts that captain Dylan Hartley may not be available for the three-Test series against South Africa in June.

Hartley has yet to come through return-to-play protocols after experiencing concussion symptoms following the Six Nations game against Ireland last month, and his Northampton club coach admits that he is unsure as to when the hooker will return.

“Dylan reported concussion symptoms after the Ireland game so it’s one of those – he’ll go through the return-to-play protocols,” Saints' coach Alan Dickens told reporters.

“In terms of the focus on concussion now, it’s a concern for all the players. That’s why they’re so stringent in terms of the process to return to play. We’ll do what’s right by Dylan.”

This is not the first time Hartley has had concussion worries, having had the same problem two years ago. The 31-year-old has missed the Saints' last two matches.