England hooker Hartley banned for three weeks

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© Reuters

England captain Dylan Hartley

 Northampton's England hooker Dylan Hartley has been suspended for three weeks for elbowing Leicester's Matt Smith in a Premiership match, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said in a statement on Tuesday.

Hartley, who was sent off after 17 minutes following the off-the-ball incident, is banned until Jan. 11 which means he can play in England's Six Nations campaign which starts against Wales on Feb. 6 as they build up for the World Cup.

The absence of the 28-year-old, who pleaded guilty to the offence, did not prevent Northampton from sealing a stunning 23-19 victory over Leicester with 14 men.

"The sanction reflects the low end entry point of the offence, which carries a two-week tariff," RFU judicial officer Jeremy Summers said in the statement.

"The entry point was aggravated having regard to Dylan's previous record and a week was taken off to reflect mitigating circumstances. As such the sanction reflects the player's record rather than the seriousness of the offence itself."

Hartley was also shown a red card for swearing at the referee in the Premiership final against the same opponents last year, an indiscretion which cost him a place on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
 England's Six Nations campaign runs from February through March as they prepare for September and October's home World Cup.