Fitzpatrick: Hartley’s England captaincy a masterstroke by Jones

Former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick believes Eddie Jones selected the right man in Dylan Hartley to captain England through the RBS 6 Nations.

World Cup winner Fitzpatrick, who was part of the All Blacks’ triumphant 1987 team, rates Hartley’s “hard edge” as an asset that can be vital for any leader.

The 52-year-old paid Hartley a compliment in likening the England skipper to himself, recognising the impact being made captain of New Zealand in 1992 had on his own game and his outlook.