DYLAN HARTLEY published a defiant message on social media today after it was announced that he will miss England’s tour to South Africa because of concussion.

Hartley has not played since the final match of the Six Nations, against Ireland on March 17, and yesterday his club Northampton revealed that he is to take an extended break.

The 32-year-old, who has sustained two previous significant concussions, has been stood down until pre-season for the 2018-19 campaign, meaning he will sit out the June series against the Springboks.