Hartley given eight-week ban for biting Ferris

England hooker Dylan Hartley last night voiced his disappointment at his eight-week suspension for biting Ireland’s Stephen Ferris.

Hartley will be available for the summer tour to South Africa but will only play for Northampton again this season if they reach the Aviva Premiership final on May 26.

The 26-year-old was punished by an independent Six Nations committee for biting the finger of flanker Ferris during the 30-9 RBS 6 Nations victory over Ireland on St Patrick’s Day.