/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F19%2F03%2Fdylan-hartley.jpg "Former England captain Dylan Hartley announces retirement")
Former England hooker Dylan Hartley is retiring from professional rugby union with immediate effect.
The 33-year-old hooker has failed in his bid to recover from a knee injury, prompting Thursday's announcement by his club, Northampton.
Hartley said:Â "I am extremely proud of my journey, both with Saints and representing England, but now is the right time to hang up my playing boots."
England
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Northampton Saints
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