Dylan Hartley banned for four weeks for headbutt

Dylan Hartley has been ruled out of England’s opening World Cup match against Fiji after receiving a four-week suspension for headbutting Saracens hooker Jamie George, a sanction that could put his participation in the tournament in severe doubt.

Hartley, 29, pleaded guilty at a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing in Coventry on Wednesday night after being cited for striking George with his head during Northampton’s Premiership semi-final defeat by Saracens at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday.

His suspension commences on August 15 and he is free to play again on Sept 21, which rules…