Hartley “disappointed” by eight week ban

Posted on Mar 27, 2012 in England, English Rugby, Northampton, Premiership

England and Northampton Saints today noted Dylan Hartley’s suspension.

Dylan Hartley said: “I am disappointed by the result and 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.”

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree, who attended the hearing to support Dylan, 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.”

Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder added: “We are disappointed that Dylan has been suspended, especially at a crucial part of the season."

Andy Long signs for Saints

Posted on Nov 20, 2009 in Rugby News

Northampton Saints today announced that they have signed Andy Long on a short-term deal.

Long, a 32-year-old hooker, has joined the club until the end of the 2009/10 season.

A graduate of the Bath Academy, Long played for Bath, Munster and Rotherham before joining Newcastle in 2004, for whom he made 123 first team appearances.

Long, who has two England caps, becomes the fourth England-qualified hooker at Franklin’s Gardens, along with Dylan Hartley, Brett Sharman and Joe Gray.

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England team to face NZ – Shaw, Worsley & Erinle in

Posted on Nov 19, 2009 in Rugby News

England have made three changes in personnel to the side to face New Zealand in the Investec Challenge international at Twickenham on Saturday (2.30pm).

London Wasps lock Simon Shaw, flanker Joe Worsley and Biarritz centre Ayoola Erinle come into the starting line-up and there is a positional switch at full back where Mark Cueto trades places with Ugo Monye.

Shaw takes over from Louis Deacon and wins his 53rd cap at the age of 36, former Wasps and Leicester centre Erinle makes his first start in place of Shane Geraghty (Northampton Saints) and experienced Wasps flanker Worsley replaces Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers) in the back row.

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Thompson gets shock Australia start

Posted on Nov 5, 2009 in Rugby News

Steve Thompson will make his first international start since 2006 when England line up against Australia in the Investec Challenge international at Twickenham on Saturday. (2.30pm).

Brive hooker Thompson is joined by fellow 2003 Rugby World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon) and Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers) in the team to face the Wallabies.

Thompson last started for England against France in the 2006 RBS Six Nations although he did come off the bench against Argentina at Old Trafford in June. He, Wilkinson and Moody will win their 49th, 71st and 54th caps respectively.

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