England hooker Dylan Hartley suspended for 8 weeks for biting in Six Nations win over Ireland

LONDON – England hooker Dylan Hartley has been banned for eight weeks for biting but he will be available for the tour of South Africa in June.

A Six Nations judiciary on Tuesday upheld the charge that Hartley bit a finger of flanker Stephen Ferris during the 30-9 win over Ireland on March 17 at Twickenham. TV missed the incident, but referee Nigel Owens reported it after Ferris complained on the field, and Hartley was cited.

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Biting usually carries a minimum ban of 12 weeks, which would have jeopardized Hartley’s tour prospects, but the judiciary cut off four weeks because the offence was described under rugby laws as an “act contrary to good sportsmanship.”

The judiciary ruled Hartley can play again from May 14, meaning he can play for his Northampton club only if it reaches the English Premiership final on May 26.

England plays the first of three tests against the Springboks on June 9 in Durban.