1
Jones backs 'outstanding captain' Hartley
By Peter Thompson
Eddie Jones has backed Dylan Hartley to remain an "outstanding captain" for England but refused to be drawn on whether he merits a place in the British and Irish Lions squad.
Lions head coach Warren Gatland hinted that Hartley may not board the plane to New Zealand, commenting on the hooker being under pressure from Jamie George for his place in the England side.
There has also been talk of Hartley being replaced as England skipper, but Jones is behind the 30-year-old after he lifted the Six Nations trophy for the second successive season.
"Dylan is an outstanding captain. I'm not discussing Lions selection but he is an outstanding captain for us and does a super job. There's no reason why he won't continue to do a super job," England head coach Jones said.
"It's like when Mike Brearley captained the England cricket team; everyone questioned him, then he won the Ashes and no-one questioned him.
"I thought he was better than he was in November and there's no reason why, the next time he comes in, he can't be better than he was this time.
"As long as he keeps improving, he's in the right direction, like every other player."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
3
Exclusive RugbyPass interview: Toulon co-captain David Ribbans
4
Exclusive interview: Northampton's Matt Ferguson
5
Latest Comments
The prem games this season have mainly been great to watch , with the exception of Sale. So boring and predictable.
Let's have more of Bristol, Bath , Quins etc style of play.
Rugby needs expansive play to put more bums on seats . Not the dirge of rolling forward mauls constantly trying to bully their way over the line.
It has its place yes to draw the defence but the fans want to see more running rugby . Not win at any cost and sod the entertainment .
Go to commentsSo Borthwick should drop Marcus Smith? He's the odd one out, forcing the rest of the English backline into a gameplay they don't know. Replacing him with Fin or Ford makes everyone more likely to succeed.
Go to comments