Hartley to learn fate next Tuesday

Rugby: Dylan Hartley’s disciplinary hearing for allegedly biting the finger of Ireland’s Stephen Ferris will be held next Tuesday…

Rugby:Dylan Hartley's disciplinary hearing for allegedly biting the finger of Ireland's Stephen Ferris will be held next Tuesday. The England hooker was cited in the wake of last weekend's Six Nations match at Twickenham under the law regarding "acts contrary to good sportsmanship".

His case will be heard at an independent Six Nations Disciplinary Committee chaired by Roger Morris (Wales) in London next Tuesday. If found guilty, Hartley faces a suspension of at least 12 weeks (low end) or 24-plus weeks (high end)

Ferris drew referee Nigel Owens' attention to a bite mark on his finger in the 28 thminute of the match on St Patrick's Day. Owens admitted to missing the incident but Italian citing commissioner subsequently ruled the New Zealand-born forward has a case to answer.

Hartley previously served a 26 week ban for eye gouging in 2006.