England captain Dylan Hartley set for Northampton comeback

England captain Dylan Hartley is set to make a comeback for the Northampton Saints in their final game of the Aviva Premiership season against Gloucester at Kingsholm on Saturday.

This will be Hartley's first appearance in professional rugby since England's Grand Slam-winning victory over France in March where he was accidentally knocked out unconscious by French prop Uini Atonio.

After remaining on the sidelines for almost two months, the 30-year-old returned to full training last week and is likely to start the game against Gloucester on the bench.

The news could have not come at a better time for England coach Eddie Jones, who is set to announce the squad for the three-Test tour of Australia next month.

Northampton coach Alan Dickens confirmed the news on Hartley and revealed that the England hooker is eager to return to action.

" He (Hartley) has done a full week and has been going through the return-to-play protocols,” said Dickens to BBC Sport website.

"He's bouncing around the place and back to his usual self."

Northampton are currently at the fifth position in the premiership table and a victory in their final game will secure a top-six finish for the Saints and also will guarantee a qualification in the European Champions Cup for the next season.