Hartley faces 12-week ban for biting

Kiwi-born England hooker Dylan Hartley faces a 12-week suspension after being cited for biting during his side's Six Nations win over Ireland in the weekend. The 25-year-old has been cited for allegedly biting the finger of an Irish player, believed to be Stephen Ferris, during the 30-9 win The Telegraph reports. In 2007 Hartley was banned for six months after eye gouging three separate opponents when playing for Northampton against London Wasps. "England hooker Dylan Hartley has been cited following the RBS 6 Nations match between England and Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday for an alleged biting offence," a Six Nations statement said. The statement added: "The independent Six Nations citing commissioner for the match, Alberto Recaldini (Italy), cited the England player under IRB Law 10.4(m), 'Acts contrary to good sportsmanship', for allegedly biting the finger of an opponent in the 23rd minute of the first-half. "The player's hearing will be held by an independent Six Nations disciplinary committee at a date to be confirmed." If banned Hartley could be ruled out of England's three-test tour to South Africa which begins on June 9.