Dylan Hartley insisted he would not change a thing about his career after announcing injury had forced the former England captain to retire.
The 33-year-old won 97 caps, the most by any England hooker, and led his country to two Six Nations titles – one of which was a grand slam– and a first away series win in Australia having taken over the captaincy following Eddie Jones’s appointment as coach.
As the England captain he had an 85% winning record and had hoped to play in the Rugby World Cup this year. The knee injury sustained 11 months ago playing for Northampton ruled out that possibility and has now ended his career.
“The last few months have been difficult mentally and physically as I’ve come to terms with the fact I am no longer able to compete,” said Hartley, who will retire with immediate effect. “I am extremely proud of my journey but now is the right time to hang up my playing boots.
“My career wasn’t perfect but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m privileged to have experienced some amazing highs while there have also been some personal lows, all of which are powerful experiences that will stay with me forever. The final chapter of my career was supposed to go a different way but that is the nature of professional sport.”
Hartley, who stands behind only Jason Leonard in terms of England’s most-capped players, made his final appearance for England off the bench in the victory against Australia last November.
His career was not without controversy, with the hooker racking up almost two years’ worth of bans for foul play, missing out on the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia and, indirectly, the 2015 World Cup.
Jones, who was criticised for his appointment of Hartley because of his disciplinary record, said England would be “for ever indebted” to their first captain on the four-year road to last weekend’s World Cup final in Japan.
“Dylan has had a significant international career playing for his country, and was a tough, enduring character for us,” Jones said. “We owe him a lot for his contribution to the making of this team. We will be for ever indebted to him for his dedication and commitment to the team and his love of English rugby.’
At Northampton, Hartley captained the club for eight years, and made 251 appearances, his final match coming against Worcester at Sixways on 21 December last year.
Hartley said. “I came to England as a teenager hoping to get a few games and to see the world. I could have never predicted that one day I’d play 14 years for such a special club and go on to represent and captain England.
(July 7, 2005) Becoming a Saint
Hartley joins Northampton’s senior academy from Worcester.
(February 1, 2007) International honours
Makes England Saxons debut against Italy A at Sandy Park in a 34-5 victory.
(April 7, 2007) Banned for half a year
Out for 26 weeks after being cited for eye-gouging Wasps forwards Johnny O’Connor and James Haskell.
(November 7, 2008) The caps begin
Earns first England cap in the 39-13 win over Pacific Islanders.
(June 7, 2009) In the XV
Makes first start for England against Argentina at Old Trafford.
(July 7, 2009) Leading from the front
Becomes Northampton captain, replacing Bruce Reihana.
(March 7, 2012) In trouble again
Suspended for eight weeks after biting the finger of Ireland back-row forward Stephen Ferris during a Six Nations clash.
(December 7, 2012) … and again …
Banned for two weeks after punching Ulster hooker Rory Best in a Heineken Cup match.
(May 7, 2013) Indiscipline costs dear
Sent off for verbally abusing referee Wayne Barnes in Northampton’s Premiership final loss against Leicester at Twickenham. Handed an 11-week ban which saw him miss the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
(May 7, 2014) Saints march to glory
Lifts the Premiership trophy at Twickenham after leading Northampton to a 24-20 victory over Saracens.
(November 7, 2019)
Banned for three weeks after his red card for elbowing Leicester centre Matt Smith in the face.
(December 7, 2014) Ill temper flares again
Banned for three weeks after his red card for elbowing Leicester centre Matt Smith in the face.
(May 7, 2015) … and again …
Suspended for four weeks for headbutting Saracens’ Jamie George in Northampton’s Premiership semi-final defeat, causing him to be ruled out of England’s World Cup plans.
(March 7, 2016) Slam sensation
Leads England to a Six Nations grand slam after being named captain by head coach Eddie Jones at the start of the tournament.
(June 7, 2016) Southern hemisphere history
Captains England to their first ever away series win against Australia, becoming his country’s most-capped hooker of all time in the process.
(December 7, 2016) Leaving 2016 swinging
Banned for six weeks after striking Leinster flanker Sean O’Brien with a swinging arm.
(March 7, 2017) The joy of six
Leads England to a second successive Six Nations title but misses out on another grand slam after Ireland emerge on top in Dublin.
(December 7, 2018) Injuries take their toll
Three months after recovering from a concussion that forced him to take a five-month break from the game, Hartley suffers a serious knee injury. He misses the 2019 Six Nations.
(August 7, 2019) Another missed World Cup
Still injured, and fails to recover to make England’s squad for the World Cup in Japan.
(November 7, 2019) End of the road
Announces his retirement from rugby: "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."
“Northampton has been more than just a club to me. It has been a place that has provided me with direction, purpose, a sense of family, home and belonging, and ultimately a community I was so proud to represent.”
His retirement has been in the offing but Hartley continued to train up until Tuesday and has been advising Northampton’s two current captains Alex Waller and Teimana Harrison as well as mentoring the club’s hookers.
Former teammates for England and Northampton followed Jones in paying tribute. “So much will be said about all his achievements and status within the game ... and rightly so,” said Tom Wood, who played alongside Hartley for club and country. “I’m just sad to see another of my mates have to step away from the field. I know you’ll land on your feet whatever route you choose to take.”
Will Hooley, the USA full-back who began his career at Northampton, said: “Simply one of the best leaders. From the academy to the first team he gave his time to the youngest. Pleasure to have played alongside you. A cruel way for it all to end.”
