Mallinder hoping Hartley will be fit for Saints' run-in

Jim Mallinder says he is '˜absolutely delighted' for Dylan Hartley after the Saints hooker skippered England to the Grand Slam.
Dylan Hartley was stretchered off at Stade de France (picture: Sharon Lucey)Dylan Hartley was stretchered off at Stade de France (picture: Sharon Lucey)
Dylan Hartley was stretchered off at Stade de France (picture: Sharon Lucey)

And Mallinder is now hoping he gets his player back injury-free ahead of a testing Aviva Premiership run-in.

Hartley led England to five wins from as many matches in the Six Nations, lifting the trophy in Paris on Saturday night.

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But he was stretchered off during the win against France, having suffered a head injury.

Hartley eventually returned to the field after the game to give a final speech to his team-mates and to pick up the silverware.

And Mallinder said: “I received a text back early this morning (Sunday) from him and I’ve seen a few pictures of him looking fit and well.

“We’ll go through the fitness protocols and let’s see where he is.”

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And on Hartley’s achievements, Mallinder said: “It was a very proud moment and it justified our faith in Dylan and what he’s done for the club over the past few years.

“He’s a proper leader. He’s had some criticism during the past but he’s come through and shown what a fantastic captain he can be.

“I’m absolutely delighted for him.”