Ian McGeechan claims Dylan Hartley still contender to lead British and Irish Lions

Former British and Irish Lions head coach Ian McGeechan believes Dylan Hartley remains a contender to be captain for this summer’s tour to New Zealand.

The England hooker thrived as captain in 2016 as Eddie Jones’ men won a RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam, three Tests in Australia and completed an unbeaten calendar year last autumn.

But Hartley’s England place has been under scrutiny since his fitness dropped off following a high tackle on Sean O’Brien which incurred a six-week suspension while playing for Northampton.