Dylan could miss British and Irish Lions tour

Dylan Hartley will find out if he is able to take part in the British and Irish Lions tour later today.

The Northampton Saints captain is facing a ban after being sent off during the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham yesterday.

A spokesman for the Lions said: "The coaches and the team regather [on Sunday]. There will be an assessment of the situation and it is out of our hands.

"Warren Gatland has always indicated that these players would not play in the first match against the Barbarians but they would have to be available for the second match of the tour.

"That is the criteria for Hartley coming on tour. If he gets a suspension that prevents him from making that second game then that is where we are."

The ban for abusing a match official ranges for six to 18 weeks.

Written by
Sian Cowper