Suspended Dylan Hartley faces simulated game to prove fitness for 6 Nations

He was sent off for striking Leinster's Sean O'Brien last month.

Dylan Hartley faces a simulated match on Wednesday that will determine whether he is fit enough to lead England into the RBS 6 Nations.

Hartley is serving a six-week suspension for striking, and with Eddie Jones opting against playing him in the Anglo-Welsh Cup upon completion of his ban, he will not have appeared in a game since December 9 by the time France visit Twickenham.