Hartley banned for Ferris bite

England hooker Dylan Hartley has been suspended for eight weeks for biting Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris, according to a Six Nations disciplinary committee.

Dylan Hartley will be available for England’s summer tour to South Africa after the disciplinary hearing.

Hartley was cited for biting Ferris during the 30-9 RBS 6 Nations victory over Ireland on March 17.

The Six Nations hearing upheld the citing and issued a ban that will force him to miss the remainder of Northampton’s season but enable him to play in the first Test against the Springboks on June 9.

The offence was found to have contravened IRB Law 10.4 (m) "contrary to good sportsmanship".

The independent Six Nations committee examined the evidence and listened to Hartley, his legal representative, Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder, England forwards coach Graham Rowntree and Ferris via a video link.

It was decided that the offence merited a low entry point in the IRB’s table of sanctions and allowed mitigation of four weeks.

The 26-year-old can resume playing from May 14 and will only play for Saints again this season if they reach the Aviva Premiership final 12 days later.