Rugby Football Union boss Ian Ritchie has backed Dylan Hartley to continue as England captain despite his latest disciplinary issue.
The 30-year-old is facing a potential eight-week ban from the sport after being sent off in Northampton Saints' defeat to Leinster for a stiff-arm strike on Sean O'Brien.
Hartley will discover his fate at a hearing on Wednesday, but it is expected that his long list of previous misdemeanours - including two prior red cards - will work against him.
Should that be the case, Hartley will miss England's opening Six Nations clash against France in early February and the armband will instead be handed over to Owen Farrell, but Ritchie believes that it should just be a temporary measure and the Saints ace must continue in his role upon his return.
"I think Dylan's got credit in the bank," he told BBC Sport. "I think most people would say it's been a fantastic year. We've had 13 wins out of 13 and Dylan has made a huge contribution and he should be allowed to continue that. Obviously it's disappointing when he gets sent off but we'll wait and see what happens.
"If he's eligible to be in contention for the Six Nations then it's a matter for Eddie [Jones]. He's been a great leader and his performances on the pitch, and the way he's helped Eddie with the team... I think he's done a fantastic job. Ever since Dylan's been involved in the set-up, he has been the perfect ambassador on and off the pitch."
Hartley has served 54 weeks of suspensions during his career for offences including biting, butting, swearing at a referee and gouging an opponent.
Daniel Lewis
