New England captain Dylan Hartley: I have learned my lessons

New era: Hartley has been handed the armband by Jones
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Sam Long25 January 2016

Dylan Hartley has claimed he has 'learned his lessons' and vowed to lead by example after being named England captain by head coach Eddie Jones.

The 29-year-old Northampton player, who has been banned for a total of 54 weeks during his career for offences such as gouging, biting and striking, was confirmed as Chris Robshaw's successor this afternoon.

Hartley has won 66 caps for his country and will lead the team during the upcoming Six Nations tournament, which begins against Scotland at Murrayfield on February 2.

The decision to give Hartley the armband has evoked a mixed reaction with former England hooker Brian Moore describing the appointment as 'a big risk', but the newly-appointed skipper is adamant he can tow the disciplinary line.

"I am confident in myself as a player at Test level. I have captained my club for six years and have learned a lot there," he told the BBC.

"I sometimes get it wrong but it has gone well for me at Northampton too. You need to get yourself at a level to be competitive and confrontational. It has gone wrong in the past but it will stay there."

Asked whether he will get it wrong again, Hartley said: "No, of course not. I have learned from my lessons and it is for me to live with.

"Now I have to lead by example and answer the critics. I am a motivated person."

Addressing his previous disciplinary record, Hartley has insisted he wants to stay out of trouble without straying from his confrontational style of play.

"I’ve done things and been involved with things in the past that I can’t escape or get away from.

"It’s all there in the press to see but for me I’ve had some time off in the summer and I’m keen to get back into this England side.

"Every game I play in I’m aware of perception and managing referees and trying to stay out of trouble, but while playing on the edge and playing a direct and confrontational game."

Coach Jones has revealed he has 'every faith' in Hartley, despite the Northampton player's controversial past.

"I have every faith he will lead the team tactically and passionately," he told England Rugby.

"English rugby is indebted to Northampton to have produced such a fine player. Dylan is an honest, hardworking bloke and I admire his aggressive and uncompromising approach to playing rugby.

"Together with Steve Borthwick and Paul Gustard, we think he has all the qualities needed to lead this group of players.

"We look forward to working very closely with him to build a successful England team.”

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