England's Eddie Jones backs Dylan Hartley for British and Irish Lions captaincy

England head coach Eddie Jones has backed Dylan Hartley for the British and Irish Lions captaincy in New Zealand next year.

The 30-year-old has captained England to eight straight victories in 2016, including a Grand Slam and a series win in Australia.

Jones told BBC Sport: "I think [Hartley] would be a great candidate [for the Lions role].

"He has clearly done a good job leading England - he has got the ability to develop relationships with people - and therefore he would be a great candidate for the Lions job.

"He is very good with the players in making sure they understand standards we want in the team, and making sure they understand the values that are important. That is so important for a captain."

England go into the third Test in Sydney in Saturday hoping to secure a historic 3-0 whitewash over the Australians.