Friday Round-Up

Friday Round-Up

Hartley feared his England career was over

Dylan Hartley has said he thought he had played his last game for England because of his ongoing disciplinary problems.

The Northampton hooker looks set to be Chris Robshaw's replacement as England captain for the upcoming Six Nations campaign.

Hartley was dropped from the World Cup after being banned for a headbutt.

Hartley said he would be on "egg shells around the new management", but that he was aiming to "impress, work hard and try to get in that team".

He added: "For me, missing out on the World Cup, I thought I might have played my last game for England.

"Just getting back there, the chance to play in the white shirt again, at Twickenham, that's what it means to me."

Sam Whitelock confirmed as interim captain of Crusaders

Todd Blackadder has confirmed that Kieran Reid will captain Crusaders while Sam Whitelock will be vice captain.

Read will miss the opening part of the season through injury, with Blackadder appointing Whitelock as interim captain.

"Reado's not available for the first three weeks but it's also give Sam a great opportunity," said Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder.

"He's probably been leading the team anyway for the last couple of years and this just makes it a little bit more official for him.

"Sam was out best players last year and he leads through his actions.

"This is a totally new team that loves challenges. Sam's got the first opportunity to stamp his mark on this team.

"He's not just filling in here, we've told him to grab this team by the scruff of the neck and to do your very best. He'll do that, I have no doubt."