Hartley's conduct as England captain in 2016 will count in his future role - Ian Ritchie

Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie is confident that Dylan Hartley's conduct as England captain in last one-year will be taken into consideration while deciding his future as the skipper of the red rose team.

The Northampton Saints hooker was sent off from the European Champions Cup game after he struck Leinster flanker Sean O'Brien last week in the 51st minute - only six minutes after he made his appearance off the bench.

The 30-year-old's action will attract four weeks ban at mid range offence and eight weeks ban at high-end according to European tournament organisers and is in danger of missing the Six Nations 2017 opener against France in February next year, which might lead to a likely promotion for Owen Farrell.

Even though, Hartley has a troubled past, Ritchie believes his track record as captain of England in the last one-year where they registered 13 wins might prove handy on his future as skipper.

"Dylan has clearly played a fantastic part in captaining the team, on and off the pitch just to be clear," Ritchie said.

"His leadership credentials are very strong. He's made a huge contribution, as Eddie would say.

"So you view all these things in perspective and in perspective one looks at the totality of what he's done and what's happened over the years and I think we should be supportive of that.

"Ultimately we'll see what happens - I'm not going to talk about the disciplinary process as you know. That will take it's course and we'll see what happens out of that.

"If he's eligible for selection it's ultimately a matter for Eddie, but we should recognise and support all that Dylan has done in the last 12 months.

"It is primarily a matter for Eddie and if you look back over it, Eddie's judgement has been really good. We should recognise that and I'm sure we will."