England may yet turn to Dylan Hartley

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree has been in regular contact with Dylan Hartley to ensure he would be ready if needed during the World Cup.

Hartley is serving a four-week suspension for head-butting that expires on September 21, ruling him out of the hosts’ tournament opener against Fiji three days earlier.

The 29-year-old was removed from England’s training squad as a result, with head coach Stuart Lancaster explaining he wanted a full complement of hookers available for the entirety of the World Cup, while also referencing his dismal disciplinary record.