England captain Hartley ruled out of South Africa tour

LONDON (Reuters) - England captain Dylan Hartley will miss this year's tour of South Africa and the rest of the Premiership season due to concussion, his club Northampton Saints said on Monday.

(Reuters)

Hooker Hartley was injured in England's Six Nations match against Ireland last month and has not played since.

"I'm very disappointed that I will not be available for selection for Saints' remaining Premiership games, as well England's tour to South Africa," Hartley said in a statement.

"It has been recommended by specialists that I take a break this summer and while I find that decision hard to accept, it’s important I listen to that advice."

England's three-test series in South Africa starts on June 9.

(Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)