Report: Northampton Saints to defend Dylan Hartley at RFU disciplinary hearing

Northampton Saints will reportedly defend Dylan Hartley at an RFU disciplinary hearing this week after the hooker was sent off against Leicester Tigers.

The 28-year-old was dismissed for elbowing Matt Smith during the 23-19 victory at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday afternoon.

Saints coach Jim Mallinder was left unhappy with the decision, claiming that a yellow card would have sufficed.

Having already been banned four times in his career, another suspension could have a detrimental effect on Hartley's England career, although a report in the Daily Mail claims that Northampton will defend the player to the hilt during Tuesday's hearing.

The Jimmies currently lead the way in the Aviva Premiership table.