Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints hopeful Dylan Hartley will play before season's end
ESPN Staff
April 28, 2016
© Dan Mullan - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images

Northampton Saints are hopeful Dylan Hartley will play for them before the end of the season.

Hartley, who captained England through the Six Nations, was knocked out in the final match of the championship against France. He had an extended spell on the sidelines earlier in the season due to concussion and is still going through the requisite return-to-play protocols after the head knock in Paris.

With England set to tour Australia in June, both the Saints and the national side will hope Hartley is fit to play some part in Northampton's two remaining  Aviva Premiership games

"Dylan is going through all the protocols as normal," Northampton coach Alex King said. "Fingers crossed we will see him before the end of the season whereas this weekend I don't know. Certainly, we are hoping to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.

"I am not sure where he is medically or in terms of cycling and running. I know he is better than he was. He is not full contact training yet.

"The summer tour is still a long way off. Hopefully he will get some game time with us before the end of the season but that will be determined by how the next week goes. I think everyone is in the same boat as regards to Dylan.

"We just want to get him back 100 per cent and whether that's next week, two weeks or three weeks that will be decided by himself and the medical team."

© ESPN Staff

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