Saints??

[Rooster]

England hooker Dylan Hartley has been handed an eight-week ban for biting the finger of Ireland's Stephen Ferris.

The Northampton skipper will not be able to play until 14 May, meaning he is free to take part in England's June tour to South Africa if selected.

Ireland flanker Ferris drew attention to the incident during England's 30-9 Six Nations victory on 17 March, but it was not spotted by referee Nigel Owens.

"I am disappointed by the result," said Hartley, who may decide to appeal.

"I will wait for the written judgment as to how the panel came to their conclusion.

"I now have to put it behind me and focus on supporting Saints in training and off the field."

Hartley has been ruled out of the rest of the regular domestic season but he could return if Saints reach the Premiership final on 26 May.

The lowest suspension for biting is 12 weeks, with a maximum sanction of four years.

But an independent Six Nations disciplinary committee decided Hartley's case was worthy of a lesser punishment after Tuesday's hearing.

"The offence merited a low entry point in the International Rugby Board's table of sanctions and allowed mitigation of four weeks," said a statement released by the committee.

The panel listened to evidence from both Hartley and Ferris, who spoke via videolink, while England forwards coach Graham Rowntree and Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder also represented their player.

Rowntree said: "It is unfortunate for Dylan and Northampton, especially as he was in good form during the Six Nations, and he has developed as a player and a leader.

"However, we are looking forward to him being available for the tour to South Africa."

Mallinder added: "We are disappointed that Dylan has been suspended, especially at a crucial part of the season."

It is the second time Hartley has received a lengthy suspension from the game. He received a six-month ban for eye gouging while playing for Northampton against Wasps in 2007.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17527026

[ruckover]

8 weeks awarded to Hartley. Don't understand this as everywhere I read it clearly stated a minimum of 12 weeks if found guilty

[Jackie Brown]

I understand it. He's an important player for England and this ensures he is available for their summer tests.

[breakdown]

I understand it. He's an important thug for England and this ensures he is available for their summer tests.

Fized

[AndyB]

Funny how his coaches say that they are disappointed with Hartley being suspended rather than they are disappointed with him biting people!

[bazzaj]

Funny how his coaches say that they are disappointed with Hartley being suspended rather than they are disappointed with him biting people!

Quite right.
People have remarked how well Lancaster has done to return discipline in the England squad.
Hartley was one of the main rabble from the world cup who he has kept.
He should put his money where his mouth is and bin him as an example to others.
If not now, how many more chances is Hartley going to get, as its only a matter of time before he does something else brain dead.

[scrum5]

Hartley will hopefully get the stuffing knocked out of him on tour by the Boks

[ruckover]

Hartley will hopefully get the stuffing knocked out of him on tour by the Boks

He shouldn't be going on tour to South Africa in the first place

[fuzzylogic]

Not just the saints at it by the looks of it...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17542343

[Jackie Brown]

Nah Baby Ben has an excuse, he was crying so hard he couldn't see the opponent.

[scrum5]

Calum Clark given a 32 week ban, quite a lengthy ban but still not long enough..... at least Hawkins got a new contract from Leicester, hope he makes a full recovery.

[breakdown]

Clark is a disgrace, what he's done was worse that Hartley and should have been banned from getting in any international/saxons squad. Absoloutely unacceptable.

[cables]

Clark is a disgrace, what he's done was worse that Hartley and should have been banned from getting in any international/saxons squad. Absoloutely unacceptable.

Nevertheless, it is ludicrous to suggest an International ban for any player extending longer than a ban in domestic competition.

[Jackie Brown]

32 weeks, over the summer... unbelievable decision. This guy intentionally broke a fellow players arm. He shouldn't play again and in fact should be facing a jail term.

[King Ding]

32 weeks, over the summer... unbelievable decision. This guy intentionally broke a fellow players arm. He shouldn't play again and in fact should be facing a jail term.

Absolutely agree, hes only going to miss around 4 months of rugby, should have been banned all of next season so he couldnt play again to august 2013