MX23RW : Monday, January 21 16:43:55

England co-captain Dylan Hartley to miss Six Nations opener against Ireland

England co-captain Dylan Hartley to miss Six Nations opener against Ireland
© Reuters
The hooker sustained a knee injury playing for Northampton in December.

Dylan Hartley has been left out of England's training squad for their Guinness Six Nations opener against Ireland on February 2.

Hartley has not played since December 21 because of a knee injury sustained on Northampton duty and Eddie Jones revealed he has been ruled out of the pre-tournament training camp in Portugal and the trip to Dublin.

"Unfortunately Dylan won't be available for the Ireland game so we won't take him to Portugal, but we are hopeful he will be back later in the Championship," Jones said.

Owen Farrell, who is usually co-captain alongside Hartley, will lead England at the Aviva Stadium with Jamie George starting at hooker.

"Owen will be captain by himself and he will certainly have great support from a number of senior players," Jones said.

Chris Robshaw has been omitted as he continues his comeback from the knee surgery that forced him to miss the autumn series, but the Harlequins flanker is expected to return later in the tournament.

Four uncapped players are present in Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley, Saracens back row Ben Earl, Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson and Worcester hooker Jack Singleton.

England's Chris Robshaw, right, has been omitted but Mako Vunipola, left, makes his return
England's Chris Robshaw, right, has been omitted but Mako Vunipola, left, makes his return (Paul Harding/PA)

Loosehead props Mako Vunipola and Ellis Genge are back after missing the autumn through injury, as are second row Joe Launchbury and number eight Billy Vunipola, with the quartet in line to make their first appearances since the June tour to South Africa.

Harlequins flanker Jack Clifford and Exeter centre Ollie Devoto also return after injury and form has restricted their appearances under Jones.

Dan Cole and Mike Brown – formerly senior players under Jones until falling out of favour last year – have the opportunity to press their claims in Portugal after being selected in the 35-man squad.

Bath duo Anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph are missing because of their respective Achilles and ankle injuries.

England head coach Eddie Jones will hope to improve on last year's Six Nations
England head coach Eddie Jones will hope to improve on last year's Six Nations (Adam Davy/PA)

England will travel to the Algarve on Wednesday to begin their preparations before a 25-strong party will head for Dublin on January 31.

"We are very happy with the squad and have a number of players who have come back from long-term injury," Jones said.

"We are looking forward to getting across to Portugal and having a good ten-day preparation for the Ireland game.

"Ireland are the best side in the world. They are a very well coached and drilled side and have particular things they do well in the game.

"To beat Ireland, we need to compete brutally in all the contest areas of the game."


Click here for more stories about Dylan Hartley

Click here for more stories about England

Share this article now:
Johnny Sexton in action for Ireland on November 17, 2018
Read Next:
Johnny Sexton making 'good progress' ahead of Six Nations opener
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account