Eddie Jones backs Dylan Hartley to continue as England skipper

England coach Eddie Jones has come in full support of Dylan Hartley despite questions being raised on the Northampton Saints hooker's form and fitness in the recently concluded Six Nations tournament.

Hartley headed into the tournament after serving a six-week ban while playing for his club Northampton Saints and was repeatedly replaced in the second half of the games with Owen Farrell taking over the reins.

The red rose team continued to be the best team in the tournament as they won four out of the five matches to retain the Six Nations title but missed out on second successive Grand Slam when they lost to Ireland 13-9 at Aviva Stadium in the final round.

Brushing aside the criticism on Hartley, Jones believes the 30-year-old is constantly improving with time.

"Dylan is an outstanding captain and does a super job. There's no reason why he won't continue to do a super job," Jones said.

"It's like when Mike Brearley captained the England cricket team - everyone questioned him, then he won the Ashes and no-one questioned him.

"I thought he was better than he was in November - and there's no reason why, the next time he comes in, he can't be better than he was this time.

"As long as he keeps improving, he's in the right direction, like every other player."