Chris Robshaw says England team fully behind Dylan Hartley
Thursday 15 December 2016 14:52, UK
Chris Robshaw says the England squad fully support Dylan Hartley despite the captain's latest ban.
Hartley was hit with a six-week suspension for striking Sean O'Brien during Northampton's European Rugby Champions' Cup game against Leinster at the weekend.
The hooker has chalked up over a year of bans during his career, and his latest offence has once again brought into question whether he is the right man to lead his country.
The British and Irish Lions captaincy is up for grabs too ahead of next summer's tour to New Zealand, and Hartley is a leading candidate.
But Robshaw, England captain until Hartley was appointed by new coach Eddie Jones ahead of this year's Six Nations, said: "We should respect Dylan and give him some space now.
"Dylan has been absolutely fantastic since he has come into the role.
"Previously when I was captain he was always one of those guys who was very supportive.
"Now he has taken over he has led from the front. He has been instrumental in what we have done. He's bred that confidence within the side and given the team a good edge.
"A lot of our success is down to him. We are fully behind him."
