Dylan Hartley RFU hearing date set for next Tuesday

England hooker Dylan Hartley will face an RFU disciplinary hearing next Tuesday on charges of allegedly biting Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris's finger.

The 25-year-old was cited for the offence, which is believed to have occurred during England's 30-9 win over Ireland in the Six Nations clash last weekend.

The Northampton Saints player could face a 24 weeks'-plus ban for the offence, which could rule him out of England's Test tour in South Africa this June.

Match referee Nigel Owens claimed that he was alerted to the alleged incident but did not see it himself.