Eddie Jones still hopes injured England co‑captain Dylan Hartley will play in the Six Nations tournament, but admits he may ultimately need knee surgery.

The New Zealand‑born hooker has not played for his club the Northampton Saints since December 21, and the club has said he has a "grumbling knee".

Hartley, who has 97 caps, will miss England's opening encounters against Ireland and France, but Jones is still hopeful his pack leader will be back in round three against Wales on the 24th of next month.

England will face Ireland at 4.45am this Sunday in their opening match of the Six Nations Competition.

[Source: Stuff.co]