News about Dylan Hartley

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: This is the first thing I want to say is congratulations to Jamie George for being crowned England captain. I can see why they've chosen him. He's clearly a good communicator, a good whistle, and, most important, a superb player. He has also been England's most consistent performer during a challenging period, superbly controls the referee, and is the best player in his position. All major ticks on my captaincy checklist are checked. George has also been an unofficial spokesperson for the overseas playing rules and centralized labour, which is not by chance.

Dylan Hartley, the former England captain, hopes that his legacy will continue to benefit rugby players affected by concussions and brain injury. Hartley appeared for England 97 times during his career as well as making over 250 appearances for the Northampton Saints before retiring in 2019. On Episode Six of Mail Sport's Croqued Monsieurs, the 37-year-old, who was diagnosed with a severe brain injury in 2022, spoke about his desire to assist players.

NIK SIMON'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: It's early morning in Marseille's old port, where the trawlermen are unloading their catch for the day. The stench of red mullet, bream, and grouper pervades the air as restaurateurs buzz around the harbor, selecting the best fish for the weekend's bouillabaisse. Dylan Hartley is the last person you would expect to bump into, but there he is, standing in front of the boats, taking a selfie with a couple of kilted Scotland fans. 'Not a bad spot, is it?' He calls out, catching eyeballs around the market stalls. We met in October and Dubai last time. He had just been for a brain scan, the first of his life, and was anxiously waiting for the results. We decided to do a follow-up article in the coming weeks, but there was no one around to explain it. I feared the worst.

After his alleyway sex act sparked a storm this week, Joe Westerman became the latest rugby celebrity to be rocked by controversy. Since finding of his deed in a tense back passage, Lauren, the Castleford forward's wife, has told friends that their marriage has ended, they have now told them that their marriage is over. At the 2011 World Cup, England reportedly partied with dwarves, while an international celebrity was left on crutches after being struck by a bus on a club night out. An experienced All Black has made news for a disabled toilet, demonstrating rugby players' propensity to get themselves in danger and into the tabloids. Without further ado, Sportsmail examines rugby's most controversial news.

After spending three months on the sidelines with nerve damage, the Courtney Laws has supported calls for mandatory brain scans. With a neck injury, the England skipper has been unable to participate in Northampton's match against Munster, and he will make his first appearance since September today. Following brain scans, the lawmakers were all clear, but Dylan Hartley's latest plea in the Mail on Sunday for the procedure to become mandatory for every player.

OLIVER HOLT: I would like to congratulate FIFA on their latest attempt to muzzle dissatisfaction with the staging of a tournament honoured in the legendary carnival of venality and obfuscation 12 years ago. They must be extremely proud. I applaud them for writing a letter to try to neuter resistance rather than just cutting your analysts up with a bonesaw, a move that, as they know, has gained traction with one of our Premier League owners.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW FROM NIK SIMON: The grand Al Naseem Hotel is just a few hundred meters from Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid's Palace. The restaurant is brimming with glamorous guests, dressed head to toe in Gucci and Louis Vuitton, but the restaurant is still awash in the 37-degree morning heat. Dylan Hartley starts to blend in ahead of a client meeting in the afternoon. He is slimmer now, with an expensive new hairstyle. Only his noticeable limp as he drags his right leg sets him apart from the trendy crowds as they glide between the exotic fruits and Arabian buffet. 'My hip's f**ked,' he says, taking a seat and ordering a black Americano. I've got arthritis, so I'm getting a replacement.' It's debilitating. I can't walk properly, I don't sleep well, can't tie my shoelaces, can't tie my shoes, can't tie my shoes, eat with my children, and can't sit down on the toilet. Not that you should have to worry about it at breakfast. . ''

LUTHERBURRELL FOR THE MAIL on SUNDAY: According to Eddie Jones, English rugby players who are educated privately do not have sufficient leadership skills or knowledge to cope with adversity. England, according to him, should blow the system up to try to increase the chances of future success. These words had me confused. It was an odd moment to make them. They came off the back of an Australia series that, although not entirely successful, saw England return to winning ways. Any series victories in the southern hemisphere are to be lauded, but rather than everyone being excited about the achievement, people are now viewing the negative face of English rugby, owing to Eddie's words. In that sense, he is deflecting away from himself. I'm not sure why you did that. Leadership does not have to be in your DNA, according to my view. Because they have been in enduringly difficult times, several of the best leaders have it embedded in them and rely on it.