Stunned Hartley given 8 Week ban

The offence, which occurred during the Six Nations match at Twickenham on March 17, could have carried a suspension of up to six months or, in extreme circumstances, four years. However, the independent three-man panel decreed that the lowest-entry point tariff of 12 weeks should be applied and that four weeks mitigation should be deducted. Given that Hartley pleaded not guilty to the charge and that he had a previously blemished record of a six-month ban for gouging in 2007, it is fair to assume the mitigation relates to either provocation or an element of uncertainty in the incident itself. The Daily Telegraph understands that Hartley’s case was based on the fact that he was caught up in a tangle of other bodies and that he felt he was being pulled out forcibly around the head area and responded to that. Hartley did not dispute that he had bitten Ferris’s finger but was at pains to explain why. The full judgment will be released on Friday. Hartley was taken aback by the decision. “I am disappointed by the result and I will wait for the written judgment as to how the panel came to their conclusion,” said Hartley. “I now have to put it behind me.” Hartley is banned until May 13 and will only play for his club again this season if they reach the Aviva Premiership final on May 26. He will be free, however, to tour South Africa with England in June. England will not impose any further sanction on Hartley even though interim head coach Stuart Lancaster has cracked down on ill-discipline, notably banishing scrum-half Danny Care from the England squad for drink-driving and demoting London Irish full-back Delon Armitage. England, though, defended Hartley at Tuesday's hearing through the services of Richard Smith, QC. There was no doubting that they backed their man and that they expect Hartley to be on duty for England in South Africa no matter who the head coach is. “It’s unfortunate for Dylan as he was in good form during the Six Nations and he has developed as a player and as a leader,” said England forwards coach Graham Rowntree, who also attended the hearing. “However, we are looking forward to him being available for South Africa.” Hartley does have the right of appeal but there is a sense that he is likely to take the punishment. Northampton director of rugby, Jim Mallinder, was also present, while Ferris gave testimony via a video link. The incident was not picked up by referee Nigel Owens or by TV footage. Ferris, however, did complain immediately to Owens and showed his finger to the official, who issued a warning to England. Hartley has made great efforts to curb the hot-headedness, which was a weakness in his game as evidenced by his six-month suspension. Northampton forwards’ coach, Dorian West, defended his man on Tuesday night, insisting: “There was a time when Dylan did step over the mark but that was long ago and he has been outstanding in recent years. He’s now a well-respected player and deals really well with all sorts of provocation. He plays to the limit, but legally.” England play the Barbarians at Twickenham on May 27 before departure to South Africa.