Wednesday Round-Up

Hartley ban confirmed: Christmas has come early for Northampton Saints fans and players alike, with news emerging that club hooker Dylan Hartley has avoided a lengthy suspension, earning himself just a three week ban from the game. Hartley had been cited following a red card against Leicester Tigers for striking Matt Smith with his elbow, contrary to Law 10.4(a). Having pleaded guilty, Hartley’s offence was deemed to be at the lower entry point according to presiding Judicial Officer Jeremy Summers. While the offence was at the lower level of the scale, Hartley’s many previous misdemeanours were taken into account, only serving to lengthen his suspension. The England international is free to play again on the 11th of January.

Scrum doc for Oz: According to reports emanating out of Australian rugby circles, Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika is ready to bite the bullet and install a specific scrum coach ahead of his side’s preparations for next year’s showpiece event in England. Australia, who for years have struggled at the set-piece, have improved markedly in recent months but Cheika still feels there exists substantial potential for more impact. Sources close to the Wallaby camp indicate it could well be a marquee name, as Cheika looks to aid the work of current forwards coach Andrew Blades.

Ryan Sheady