Hooker Dylan Hartley not giving up on England return
Tuesday 2 June 2015 10:07, UK
England hooker Dylan Hartley is refusing to give up on his international career despite being omitted from Stuart Lancaster’s Word Cup squad.
The Northampton star was given a four-match ban for headbutting Saracens' Jamie George in Saints’ home defeat in the Premiership semi-final.
Hartley has now received suspensions totalling a year during his career and Lancaster has decided he is not part of his World Cup plans, with his latest indiscretion meaning he would miss the first game of the tournament.
But the 29-year-old is refusing to be too disheartened and even suggested he will ensure he remains fit and ready in case he is called upon by Lancaster this autumn.
"There is absolutely no truth in the speculation I may quit international rugby," Hartley said.
"I feel I can still contribute and as long as Stuart Lancaster thinks that too, that's all that matters.
"I need to channel my hurt into training because, when the World Cup starts, I need to be in a good place fitness-wise in case of injuries."
Hartley admits he is devastated to be missing the World Cup on home soil but remains keen to focus on the future.
I feel I can still contribute and as long as Stuart Lancaster thinks that too, that's all that matters.
"Am I gutted about missing the World Cup? Stupid question - of course I am," he told The Sun.
"But let me say straight away that I don't want, or expect, any sympathy for my ban over the incident with Jamie George.
"I've got to accept it and move on. Set new goals and targets and get to work. This is my situation. You deal with it and move on."
