Dylan Hartley expects to start the season with Northampton after taking the summer off to recover from concussion and the England captain is confident the Saints will mount a title challenge after a couple of seasons when they have floundered below the top four.
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Hartley missed the tour to South Africa after receiving advice to take an extended rest and his only medical problem was high blood pressure as he watched winning positions turn into defeats in England’s opening two Tests against the Springboks.
“I got married and had a well-rested summer apart from getting agitated watching some rugby on television,” said Hartley, who has been named co-captain along with Alex Waller by Northampton’s new director of rugby, Chris Boyd. “I am not a good watcher but an energised one: my family have to leave the room as I get aggressive with cushions and aim bad language at the TV.
“I was disappointed to miss the tour. Once I had made peace with a decision that was made for me, it was good because there was no target date to rush back for and I found myself instantly get better.
“I was connected with the team during the tour, speaking to Owen Farrell [his replacement as captain] and Eddie Jones, as well as a couple of players. We played some really good footy but a couple of big moments cost us. The trip was largely positive with notable improvements on aspects we have been working on, such as the breakdown.”
The arrival of Boyd from the Hurricanes in Wellington will mark a change in playing style for Northampton, who have struggled to compete in an era when the breakdown has become the key feature.
“There is a new air about the place and I feel like a 19-year-old on the first day of academy training,” said Hartley, who hopes to be involved in Friday’s friendly against Glasgow at Franklin’s Gardens. “Chris speaks a different rugby language to those I have known and I am enjoying learning. We will be a well-organised team that has clarity and I am confident we can be a presence in the league.”