Dylan Hartley handed six-week suspension for swinging arm on Sean O’Brien

Dylan Hartley has been handed a six-week ban (Picture: Getty)

Dylan Hartley has received a six-week ban following his swinging arm on Leinster flanker Sean O’Brien.

The incident happened during Northampton Saints’ defeat to the Irish club in their Champions Cup clash last Friday and the England captain has now learned his fate.

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However, Hartley will be available to skipper England in their Six Nations opener against France at Twickenham on February 4.

The red card which the 30-year-old hooker was shown against Leinster was the sixth of his career and he received it just six minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Hartley has now been suspended for a total of 60 weeks over the course of his time as a rugby player at the top level.

Eddie Jones should be able to select Dylan Hartley against France (Picture: Getty)

‘Let us see what happens [on Wednesday] but we recognise what Dylan has done over the last 12 months,’ RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said after the incident.

‘His disciplinary performance in an England shirt has been exemplary during those games.

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‘You weigh it in the perspective of what’s happened and his contribution to the team and squad in the last 12 months.

‘His demeanor and all the things he has done mean that I think we should support Dylan.’