Saint Dylan Hartley out to make amends for Northampton

He says he is ready and he knows full well that, whenever Saints play Tigers, it will be an uncomfortable reminder of his dismissal in the last East Midlands derby – the Premiership final last May.

“We are not looking at last season,” he said. “This is a fresh season and a fresh start. We are in a good run of form and playing some good rugby. This is a challenge about going away from home, nothing other than that.

“It’s obvious what we can expect. I would imagine it will be hostile. I imagine I will get a bit of gyp, but that’s nothing I haven’t had before. I shall just concentrate on my own game and hopefully we will get a good team performance.”

The Anglo-New Zealander has repeatedly given an explanation of his final misconduct that when Test referee Wayne Barnes heard himself being accused of being a cheat, with an expletive attached, he was mistaken.

There has been some confusion as to who precisely was the target. Whatever, his opposite number Tom Youngs went on to become a Lions Test hooker in Australia, while Hartley’s 11-week suspension cost him the tour and the £45,000 that went with it.

The ramifications could have gone further, though ultimately England coach Stuart Lancaster and Northampton’s Jim Mallinder took the view that forgiveness was better – and possibly more self-serving – than compounding the punishment.

Hartley remains, with Youngs, in Lancaster’s England squad after a talking-to from the coach. He also remains Saints captain, though Mallinder concedes Hartley’s reappointment required considerable thought.

Hartley’s head to head with Youngs could hardly be more precisely timed, with the first autumn Test against the Wallabies only four weeks away. “Professional and friendly,” is how Hartley describes his relationship with his rival.

“I don’t go round his house with Sunday roast, but we are friends and I understand my position,” said Hartley. “I see him as the front-runner for the England No2 shirt, carrying on his form from the Lions.

“But it’s still in my hands to push for a spot. There’s a good chance to do that this weekend and in the Heineken Cup games that follow.”

Article source: http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/arsenal/169260/arsenal-bring-in-ex-ireland-rugby-pro-jerry-flannery-as-new-strength-and-conditioning-coach.html

Saint Dylan Hartley out to make amends for Northampton