Six Nations
Hartley stakes claim for captaincy
ESPNscrum Staff
January 28, 2012
Northampton's Dylan Hartley fails to find his way through the Castres defence, Northampton Saints v Castres, Heineken Cup, Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, England, December 18, 2011
Dylan Hartley is a candidate for the captaincy © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Dylan Hartley

Dylan Hartley is the latest player to put his hand up for the England captaincy ahead of the team's 2012 Six Nations opener against Scotland next Saturday.

Favourite for the job, Chris Robshaw, stated on Friday that he is ready for the role. However the Harlequins skipper is joined by Tom Wood and Northampton captain Hartley as genuine alternatives for interim coach Stuart Lancaster.

"If asked I feel I could do it," Hartley said. "I would feel very confident doing it. There is so much experience in a youthful squad, so it's no big deal about who gets it.

"It's not an ego thing and whoever gets it will be ready and supported by everyone. If it was me, it would be very special."

Hartley, 25, now ranks amongst the more experienced players in Lancaster's new-look national squad. Only Toby Flood, Matt Stevens and Lee Mears have won more caps than Hartley in the 32-man squad, perhaps giving the hooker the edge over Robshaw.

"I believe in simple captaincy - simple messages and I go out and try to do my job on the field. If I feel there's something that needs to be said, I will say it," said Hartley.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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