Thursday 28 January 2016 14:19, UK
Dylan Hartley is the "perfect" man to captain England in the Six Nations, according to his former team-mate Tom May.
Northampton hooker Hartley is England coach Eddie Jones' first skipper, taking over from Chris Robshaw who held the position under Stuart Lancaster.
Hartley was always favourite for the job but his appointment is not without controversy. He has missed nearly a year's worth of rugby - including the 2015 World Cup and the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2013 - because of suspensions.
But former Newcastle, Toulon, Northampton and London Welsh star May believes Jones has got it right.
"I think he's perfect," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "In terms of the England squad and the new players that have been involved, and the players that have come from the World Cup, I think Dylan is a perfect character for this England team.
"He never takes a backwards step. We talk about training ground bust-ups - I've been involved in one or two with Dylan myself. But it was because we were both competitive people. Dylan is one of the most competitive people I've ever come across.
"He will drive the standards of the team forwards. He's exactly what England need at the moment.
"It's a really exciting time for them looking forward. To have someone like him at the helm is exactly what England need and more importantly, what Eddie Jones wants.
"He's confrontational in the way he plays the game and also in the way he speaks to you. You know there is a degree of accountability that comes with your roles. But that brings out the best in you. It's what a captain should be doing
